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Bond Street. 


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Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1880, by 
THE AUTHORS’ PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. > 




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3 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


CHAPTER 1. 

JT was a mild soft evening towards the latter end of 
May, and Doctor Langdon and his son Reuben sat 
on the porch of their cottage, watching for the carriage 
that was to bring Mr. and Mrs. Singleton to their home. 

Mr. Singleton had been spending the first year of his 
wedded life abroad, but had suddenly been recalled by 
the death of his father, which had now left him sole heir 
and proprietor of a beautiful home on the Hudson. Not 
far from his residence lived Doctor Langdon, a physician 
’of some standing, who had lately retired from practice 
in consequence of declining years and ill health, brought 
on by exposure and anxiety, attending his profession, or 
as a homeopathist would say, ^ over-dosing.^ 

He had saved but little, and barely could have eked 
out a subsistence, had it not been for his married daugh- 
ter, and her husband, deciding to take up their abode in 
his humble cottage ; and by thus adding their means to 


4 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


his, he managed to live tranquilly, and happily, but with- 
out any of the luxuries or indulgencies of life. 

Young Reuben had received one of the best educations 
at Oxford, England where he had been sent and adopted 
when quite a child by his father’s younger brother. 

With reason great hopes had been entertained as to 
his future prospects; for his uncle possessing a large for- 
tune, had on more than one occasion intimated his gen- 
erous intentions towards him. 

Doctor Langdon, had known Mrs. Singleton in her 
early childhood, and on the evening of their arrival, had 
prepared a basket of rare and valuable plants, which she 
had often expressed a desire to have, and Reuben, who 
was visiting his father’s home for a few weeks, previous 
to his return again to England begged to be the bearer 
of them, thus securing an opportunity he had long de- 
sired of meeting one whose beauty and grace he had so 
often heard extolled. 

Do you see them coming, Reuben ? ” inquired his 
father. 

Not yet. We must not look for them until near six, 
and it is scarcely that. We can no more than bow, and 
wave our handkerchiefs as they drive by. There they 
are now ! Wave quickly, father, or they will be out of 
sight in a moment.” 

That passing glance disclosed to Reuben one of the 
sweetest smiles and faces he had ever seen. 


MJ^S. SINGLETON. 


5 


'*Are you sure, father, these are choice specimens, 
and not within the reach of every ordinary gardener?” 
said Reuben, taking up the basket and examining the 
contents. “ It strikes me it is a rough-looking collection 
to present as a welcome. In blooming flowers now there 
is more sentiment.” 

“ I see more sentiment in a gift that yearly blooms, 
Reuben, and should prize it more highly than a basket 
of cut flowers. That plant nearest you is ^ le bon saline' 
not a rose of particular rarity, but of great beauty. They 
vary in color from an intense scarlet to a soft creamy 
hue ; in some lights showing golden reflections, and with 
the velvet-like texture of the heart’s-ease.” 

Doctor Langdon was on his favorite theme, and al- 
though Reuben could not understand that excessive pas- 
sion for rare exotics, he admired the refined, and culti- 
vated taste, in his father, and endeavored to look intelli- 
gent. 

Had you not better take them over at once ?” asked 
Doctor Langdon. 

We must give them time to divest themselves of 
their traveling attire, and feel a little at home, and then 
I will walk over in the gloaming. I wish Hester was 
here to accompany me, and present me to Mrs. Single- 
ton whom I have never met.” 

“They know of you,” replied his father, “and Single- 
ton will attend to all that sort of thing. Give them my 


6 


MRS. SINGLE TOM. 


best wishes and congratulations on their safe arrival. 
He is almost recovered from his lamenes,” thought Doc- 
tor Langdon, as he watched his son’s retreating figure. 

That alone should mitigate the pang of giving up my 
boy to Clive, for a home so far away.” And Doctor 
Langdon sighed— feebly rose, and entered the house. 

“ I shall miss old Mr. Singleton,” mused Reuben as 
he strolled along the path bordered with thick shrubbery 
that led to Oakland. Many a toss has he given me in 
his arms, and my childish sorrows quieted with a timely 
box of bon-bons. The embarrassment and chagrin of 
unanswered questions in arithmetic, and historical dates, 
demanded in the presence of strangers, which I so keenly 
felt, are all forgotten in the remembrance of his warm 
and loving heart. Dear, kind, old gentleman ; would I 
could once more hear your cheerful voice ! ” 

Even when within a short distance of Oakland, Reuben 
could see nothing of the house, so thick and dark grew 
the gloomy wood about. The property was a fine one, 
and contrary to what is usual had not suffered from the 
late master’s indisposition nor from the absense of his 
son. 

The dwelling was a building of considerable antiquity 
and size, but with no very great architectural pretensions. 
Arrived at the gate, swung between two granite pillars, 
Reuben followed the broad gravel walk that led to the 
house, rang the bell and was answered by Thomas, the 


MRS. SINGLETOM. 


7 


old family servant, who preceded him through the halls, 
lined with trunks and boxes to the library, where all was 
quiet and repose. 

There had been a fire burning in the large open grate ; . 
probably to dispel the dampness and vault-like air that 
pervades rooms uninhabited for any length of time. 
The last rays of the setting sun threw a soft golden light 
over the richly carpeted floor, the stately rows of high 
backed chairs, and oak paneled walls. 

In waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Singleton to appear, 
Reuben Langdon walked over to the open window and 
looked out on the lawn. Something attracted his atten- 
tion there, and chained his eyes to the spot. He had al- 
most forgotten the object of his visit until recalled to him- 
self by hearing Mr. Singleton’s voice welcoming him to 
Oakland, with a warmth and cordiality of manner, Reuben 
in after years never forgot. He was unaccompanied by 
his wife, but in her behalf, expressed thanks and gratifi- 
cation for his fathers’ acceptable gift. 

With truth it has often been remarked, that death fol- 
lows death in the same household ; and not more than 
three years after old Mr. Singleton died, Robert Singleton 
was laid beside him, leaving two children, and his young 
beautiful wife, overwhelmed in grief and despair ; not so 
much was it commonly reported from the loss she sus- 
tained as for his eternal welfare in the life to come, for 
he had not turned in temptation’s hour to a loving 


8 


MRS, SINGLETON, 


Saviour ; and sought the only refuge and safety that is 
to be found within the everlasting arms. 

In answer to a friend’s letter announcing the death of 
Mr. Robert Singleton, young Langdon writes from 
London : 

I can scarcely believe it possible that alcohol could 
in three short years remove from this world, one pos- 
sessing such strength and vigor of constitution, had I not 
been told by those who knew him well in his boyhood 
days, that at the early age of fifteen, some tempter of 
riper years had been near to lure him on. Absent from 
home, preparing for college life, far in advance of most 
boys of his age, handsome and intelligent, this fine young 
fellow scarcely conscious of it himself, was surely and in- 
evitably laying the seeds of an early death. And as 
seen, alas ! At the age of thirty-six, has passed away 
from earth !” 

Think you Robert Singleton was happy all those 
years ! There were moments when he would have 
given all he possessed to have begun life anew, with the 
advice he had so often laughed at and scorned. And 
ever and anon, a wife’s pale face would come before him. 
And it is of this lovely woman, whom his untimely death 
thus early left a widow, my story is to tell. 


CHAPTER II. 


Reuben Langdon was quite a child, he had 
met with an accident laming him as he supposed 
for life, and he shrank from mingling in public, or accept- 
ing any position which it was thought his talents com- 
manded. Thus feeling himself shut out from women’s 
society he had become morbid, and sensitive. 

But to his great joy, he awoke one morning, to find 
himself walking with the ease and freedom of his fellow 
beings around him. 

It went far towards softening a disappointment that 
occurred at that time, and which he was not permitted 
to explain. But it at once brought him home, and ne- 
cessitated his accepting most cheerfully the position of 
tutor in Mrs. Singleton’s family. He at least was now 
his own master, and with the handsome competence Mrs. 
Singleton’s means could well afford, Reuben felt that al- 
though his future had lost its golden hue. Providence had 
not dealt unkindly with him. 

Within a mile of Oakland, resided Mr. and Mrs. 
Churchill. The former was a cousin of Mrs. Singleton’s 
on her father’s side. They were an English family, and 
with the aid of a family tree, the blood of Earl’s and of 
Lord’s could be traced mingling in their veins — a con- 


10 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


sciousness that has often soothed the trials and cares of 
impoverished families. 

They had one son, an only child of fifteen years, and 
satisfactory arrangements had been made for him to join 
the daily class at Oakland. 

As Reuben Langdon stood, the first morning of his 
instalment, looking out from the school room window, 
he saw this young lad with his slight graceful figure, 
come bounding along the long avenue of trees towards 
the house, ever and anon throwing a stone at some poor 
hapless bird ; or catching at a branch from the wide 
spreading oaks that encircled his head, having apparently 
but a vague idea of discipline or study. 

Reuben was almost a stranger to him, having been ab- 
sent from his home so many years, but telt irrisistibly 
drawn to him, and bidding him welcome, placed a chair 
at the table, and expressed a desire that they might be 
true and fast friends, and he, patient and faithful to his 
lessons and books. 

Mrs. Singleton had not yet made her appearance with 
her little children, and although Reuben had met her 
once or twice, he felt he knew her but slightly. 

While musing over the the novelty of his situation, the 
door opened, and she advanced, leading her little boy, a 
beautiful child of four years followed by her daughter Katy. 

** Good morning, Mr. Langdon, excuse my being a 
little late,” and she glanced at Katy as she spoke. “ I 


MJ^S. SINGLETON, 


II 


hope you do rxOt shrink from the task before you, I 
think it best,” taking a seat Mr. Langdon had offered her, 
“ not to enter into the peculiarities of your young 
scholar; knowing as opportunity calls them forth they 
will be developed under your observant eye.” 

Was it imagination at these words that Reuben noticed 
a slight change in Katy’s color ? Then gracefully stoop- 
ing down and kissing Paul, she welcomed him to Oak^ 
land, and with a few more remarks and preliminaries, Mrs. 
Singleton withdrew, and Reuben was left alone with his 
little group of pupils. 

He gave a cursory glance around, and found that Katy 
had taken her seat on his right ; below her sat Robbie, 
loving Robbie, as one glance at his sweet eyes showed. 
Paul sat directly opposite. 

Katy was slight and small, her complexion sallow, and 
a quantity of long light hair hung around her head. The 
large blue eyes gave an expression of wisdom and sad- 
ness that pained Reuben to see in a child of her age. 
He took out a small book to insert their names and ages. 
Beginning on his left, where sat Paul, he was promptly 
responded to : — 

Paul Churchill, fifteen years old.” 

Then turning to Katy was answered by : — 

‘‘ Miss Singleton, twelve years old.” 

I would like your Christian name, or first name,” de- 
manded Reuben. 


12 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


Miss Catherine,” was the reply. 

By this time Robbie began to titter, catching a pecu- 
liar light in Paul’s eye, and at length burst out into one 
of his loud merry laughs showing a mouth full of beau- 
tiful small white teeth. 

Katy never moved a muscle of her face, and Paul 
who had been brought up by his mother with great care, 
not to hurt the feelings of others, looked down to conceal 
a smile, and with a pencil wrote a few lines on a paper 
before him. 

Reuben tapped on the table calling them to order, say- 
ing, he allowed no laughing; and that Katy had an- 
swered correctly. Then taking up the roll again, ad- 
dressed Robbie, who gave his age as nine, but corrected 
by his sister as four. 

As to this little Master Robbie, Reuben concluded he 
was enjoying his last morning in the school room ; having 
made sundry attempts to climb on the table and as sud- 
denly disappearing beneath it. 

Receiving the names and ages of his scholars, Reuben 
now turned to examine more particularly Paul, who had 
attracted his attention in the morning. 

Paul,” he said taking up a book, “ I suppose you 
read quite fluently ? ” 

Not as well as I should. Shall I try ? ” and he 
looked directly at his teacher with his honest, speaking 
eyes. 


MRS. SINGLETON. 1 3 

‘^Yes/’ answered Reuben, ‘‘I should like you all to 
read to me a little this morning.” 

Paul took the book, and for a boy of his age, read 
well and with expression. Katy also for her age did 
well, but Mr. Langdon was not surprised to find that 
Robbie scarcely knew his letters. He then required 
them to give him a few specimens in writing and spelling, 
and was astonished on looking at his watch, to find the 
morning had so far advanced. He portioned out to them 
the lesson for the morrow, expressing his pleasure at such 
a happy beginning ; and bidding them ' good morning,’ 
walked to the drawing room in search of Mrs. Singleton. 
Not finding her there he rang the bell and inquired of 
the servant, who brought him word Mrs. Singleton 
would see him in the library. 

He found her engaged in the fashionable employment 
of the day; ^painting on china.’ She was dressed in some 
light linen fabric, for the day was warm, and by her side 
were a few scattered forget-me-nots which Reuben fancied 
she had been copying. Pushing her chair gently from the 
the table where she sat, she look up exclaiming: 

*‘Well, Mr. Langdon, you have given your first lesson. 
Were you satisfied; or did they give you any cause for 
complaint?” 

“None whatever. I have every reason to feel encour- 
aged. I could not ask for more intelligent children, and 
rarely have 1 seen so much beauty.” 


14 


MRS. SINGLETON, 


Except in poor Katy,” she rejoined. *‘She is an odd 
child, and yet at times I am strangely attracted towards 
her.’* 

This struck Reuben as an unusual remark for a mother 
to make. But then he remembered .having heard that 
Mabel Singleton never liked children ; she had said they 
bored and irritated her, and that when she had answered 
one question it only gave rise to another; requiring 
much patience to satisfy their endless curiosity. 

Observing Katy once or twice pass the door leading 
into the library, Reuben made no definite reply to Mrs. 
Singleton’s last remark. 

Robbie at this moment came running into the room, 
and with one bound was in his mother's lap. As she 
leaned over to caress him the child caught at her comb^ 
and in one instant her shoulders were covered with a 
wealth of rich brown hair, and little Rob was enjoying 
heartily his successful exploit. 

*‘At any rate,” thought Langdon, “here is love and 
trust.” 

“You must tell me if you have everything you wish, 
Mr. Langdon,” she said putting the child gently down, 
and simultaneously binding up her long hair in a large 
coil at the back ot her head. “ I did not intend trou- 
bling you with Robbie this morning, but he saw some- 
thing unusual was going on, and I could not keep him 
from the school room door.” 


MRS, SINGLETON, 


15 


^‘He is rather too young for the class, and I thought, 
should it meet with your approbation, I would give 
Robbie lessons apart from the regular school hours.” 

“Oh, you must not trouble yourself with Robbie, 
though they all tell me I sadly neglect him. But my 
theory has been not to press children until after their 
eighth year. Katy being an only daughter, has had 
much attention given her.” 

“I find her not at all backward.” 

“No? And Madamoiselle Picot speaks encourag- 
ingly of her music. I think myself her touch is very 
sweet.” 

Reuben now rose to go, and walked as far as the door, 
when Mabel called him back saying : 

“ Will you not change your’ mind and remain alto- 
gether at Oakland ? I have been exceedingly nervous 
and timid since my uncle left me, and have heard or 
imagined I heard, footsteps near my door at night. 

The idea had always been more agreeable to Reuben 
to remain at his own home, and as had been previously 
arranged, spend his mornings teaching at Oakland. But 
then he had never known Mabel Singleton well, and now 
stood in the presence of a very beautiful woman. Her 
fears and timidity awakened his sympathy, called forth 
his protection, and scarcely conscious of the influence 
she was exerting over him, he promptly and cheerfully 
complied with her request. 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


I6 


“At least, he said, until your nervousness has entirely 
disappeared.” 

“I’m expecting a young friend,” she added, “in a day 
or two, and will promise not to make it altogether dis- 
tasteful to you.” 

Not heeding her last remark, he went on: “your sus- 
picions do not fall upon any one in the house?” 

“Oh, no. I should not be surprised if it was entirely 
imagination. My old nurse, Elsie, tells me it is the good 
angels standing around to keep sinners off.” 

“In that case I should not care to interfere with them.” 

“At all events, I trust there will be nothing more 
formidable to encounter,” rejoined Mabel. 

Reuben finally took his leave, and passing from the 
library into the hall, saw Katy still standing with her 
little straw hat on. 

“Mr. Langdon, is Aunt Mabel alone in the library?” 

“Your mamma is there, I do not remember ever to 
have met with your Aunt Mabel.” 

She looked a little incredulously at him and then re- 
plied, “ I have no mamma ; she, died in England ! ” 

It was now Reubens turn to look surprised, and he 
said : “You do not really mean to say that Mrs. Single- 
ton is not your mamma; that Robbie is not your 
brother ! ” 

“Yes,” she answered, “I do. My father and Uncle 
Singleton were brothers. It is just five years ago since 


MJ^S. SINGLETON, 1 7 

papa died and ” — but she did not finish her sentence and 
Reuben went on. 

“ How long have you been in this country 

“Scarcely four months. The Captain of the steamer 
brought me over ; Aunt Mabel sent for me. Uncle Rob- 
ert requested it before he died.” 

Reuben now vaguely remembered his sister having 
written him of the death of Mrs. Singleton’s youngest 
child. He was in Paris at the time, but not being par- 
ticularly interested, it had not left much impression upon 
him. The mist was breaking away that had enveloped 
him, and with this explanation he now reconciled Katy’s 
age with Mrs. Singleton’s youth. 

“ I will not detain you any longer, Katy ; I think you 
wished to see your Aunt Mabel ?” 

“ Yes,” she replied, “ Paul is going to show me his new 
mare, and I thought Aunt Mabel might have some mes- 
sage for his mother.” 

Langdon wished to renew the conversation, so waited 
until her return and then asked “if he might be per- 
mitted to walk with her until joined by Paul.” Though 
she was but a child there appeared so much dignity 
about her, he did not dare take the liberty without asking 
her consent. As soon as she returned he continued : 

“ Have you always lived in England ?” 

“No,” she replied, “we were in France three years. 
Mamma went there for her health ; but wishing to die in 


i8 


MRS. SINGLETON 


her own country” — here Katy’s voice trembled, and Reu- 
ben rebuked himself for his thoughtless curiosity — ‘‘we 
returned to England.” 

To change the conversation as quickly as possible, 
Reuben went on : 

“Three years in France ! you must speak French per- 
fectly ?” 

“ Oui, Monsieur, rien n’est plus facile. Will you give 
us French lessons ?” 

“Yes, but you will not require very much assistance.” 

“ I do not read it or translate it correctly.” 

Just here they encountered Paul, who had been im- 
patiently waiting for his little friend. 

“ What kept you so long, Kate ? I thought you were 
never coming,” he called out. 

“ I may have had something to do with it,” interposed 
Reuben, “ however I will detain you no longer,” and he 
walked down a secluded path that led to his home 


CHAPTER III. 


J_J ESTER sat at the window with some formidable 
piece of work on her lap, when Reuben entered. 

** Oh ! she exclaimed, throwing the sewing down, 
** how did you make out ? I have sat here think- 
ing so much about it, and could scarcely refrain from 
smiling several times, picturing my handsome young 
brother seated at the table teaching ! 

Restrain your smiles,” he answered, “your brother 
succeeded admirably well. But Hester you never told 
me Katy was not Mrs. Singleton’s daughter, and the re- 
lationship puzzled me all the morning.” 

“ I thought you certainly knew of the little orphan 
Katy who is to make her home at Oakland. But then 
since your return, we have had so many other matters 
to discuss I have not told you half the news of our little 
village.” 

“ Hester, what is Mabel Singleton’s age ?” 

“ Not more than twenty-four. Let me see, she mar- 
ried at eighteen, or near nineteen ; Robbie must be four ; 
that would aiDOut make it ; I do not think she is a day 
older.” 

“And I am twenty-nine — five years her senior!” 
thought Reuben, with a pleasureable sensation. 


20 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


“ I do not know Mabel Singleton very well,” contin- 
ued Hester, but some say she holds herself very queenly 
and is rather proud ; did you find it so ?” 

“ I thought her the loveliest woman I had ever met” 

“ She certainly is beautiful,” said Hester, in an absent 
sort of a way. 

Was it a love match ?” 

“ I think not. He was very rich and her parents in- 
sisted on the marriage. But I have always heard she 
was devoted to him.” 

“ He must have been many years older ?” 

‘*Yes, I believe there was, at least, sixteen years dif- 
ference between them.” 

**And very handsome,” added Reuben, as I re- 
member him.” 

‘^Where’s father?” he asked at length, turning to the 
door. 

‘‘ As usual, out in the garden, but don’t go yet. Will 
you be at Mrs. Churchill’s this evening ?” 

‘ ‘ I had thought of it ; shall I see about a carriage for you ?” 

“ I am going with Belle Travers and her brother. 
They call for me in his ‘T Cart,’ and will see me safely 
home again.” 

Reuben reflected a moment, and then replied, “ If I 
am not there, do not be surprised.” 

If I introduce a painful subject, do not let it disturb 
you Reuben, but it still seems so strange to me that 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


21 


Uncle Clive never again alluded directly or indirectly to 
your being his heir. 

Oh don’t, Hester,” replied her brother with a slight 
shade of disappointment in his voice. 

It was not handsome, it was dishonorable,” she con- 
tinued, excitedly,“to have educated you — adopted you — 
and then sent you home with nothing but his fine 
promises, and I am surprised you do not show a 
greater sense of indignation !” 

I was not sent home, Hester,” answered Reuben 
calmly. “ Exercise a little patience. One of these days 
I will be at liberty to explain it all, satisfactorily to you. 
And oh, dear sister, believe with me, * There’s a Divinity 
that shapes ones ends rough — hew them how we will.’ 
I think however,” he added smilingly, I know where the 
shoe pinches.” 

Where ?” 

‘‘ Tutor ! Should you prefer it, there is the soap busi- 
ness,” suggested Reuben. One of our most worthy 
citizens of New York has made an immense fortune in 
it ; a man of great genius and inveptive power. 

** Don’t teaze me, Reuben.” 

Then why has my little sister so much pride ? I 
must recommend to her attention Lincoln’s favorite piece 
of poetry, — (beautiful thoughts too,) ‘ Oh, why should the 
spirit of mortal be proud.’ ” 


22 


MRS, SINGLETON, 


Hester, not the slightest possible shadow of lameness 
remains does it ?” 

“ No, not the slightest. If mother had lived, how she 
would have delighted in your cure.” 

‘‘Yes,” answered Reuben, and sighed. ** I was read- 
ing only yesterday a letter written to father in which she 
speaks of my lameness with such sorrow and anguish, 
and then indignantly rebels against old Surgeon Kings- 
land for his blundering manner of treating me ! Those 
English surgeons showed wonderful skill. How does 
father seem, Hetty ?” 

“ Rather feeble I think, but his spirits are good.” 

“ Do you know I have promised Mrs. Singleton to 
remain at Oakland for the present. She imagines there 
are ghosts or something of that kind, around the house. 
Will you and father miss me very much ?” 

“ Of course you must do as you please, Reuben, but I 
think Mabel Singleton could find some one else to stand 
sentinel at her gates and ward off her imaginary phan- 
toms. I am not surprised, howerer,” she added, applying 
her needle with nervous rapidity, “ she bewitches every 
man that comes within her sphere.” 

“ Then you think your brother bewitched, do you ?” 
Reuben felt he was slightly. 

Time will answer that question better than I can,” 
replied Hester. 

Doctor Langdon now came in looking tired and warm. 


MJ^S, SINGLETON. 


23 


Reuben rose and placed a chair for him by the window. 
He pulled his cravat off and took up an old palm leaf 
fan and began fanning himself. 

Hetty dear,” he called out, couldn’t you make me 
a glass of lemonade this warm day,” 

** What has tired you so, father inquired Reuben. 

** I have been trying to repair the latch on that outer 
door, and I think now I have it all right.” 

Reuben walked out to look at it. Hester’s eye 
caught his. Never had they seen such a combination 
of wood and nails fastened under and above any lock ! 
How could they wonder at his flushed and heated 
face. 

*‘You see, Reuben,” he continued, ‘*no one will be 
able to open that door but myself.” 

**No,” thought Hester, ^*and I doubt very much if 
you can.” 

“ And we shah be perfectly secure here at night,” he 
went on. 

** But father, what shall we do for air when you are 
not in?” And Hester actually looked aghast as she 
thought of the unventilated hall. 

‘‘ You are far better off without air, Hetty. I lay all 
my rheumatism to that hall, with its back and front door 
open one half the time.” 

Reuben laughed and took up his hat to leave. 

How little we will see of you now,” said Hester. 


24 


MRS, SINGLETON-. 


** I don’t know about that. I am free from twelve un- 
til nine the next morninor.” 

“ Then you will dine with us ?” 

“ Certainly, and take tea, too, if I am welcome.” 

Reuben made up his mind to remain at home as much 
as possible. He knew Hester was lonely. Her husband 
had now been on a cruise nearly two years, and their 
father was old and not much of a companion for one 
who was not more than twenty-five, and naturally of a 
gay and social disposition. 


CHAPTER IV. 


X-T OW did you like your new master this morning, 
Kate ? ” said Paul, after Mr. Langdon had left 

them. 

“ I hardly noticed him.” 

Something went wrong with you, what was it ? ” he 
continued. 

“ I kept Aunt Mabel waiting over an hour while I was 
trying to braid my hair.” 

And then did not succeed,” said Paul, taking up be- 
tween his fingers her soft sunny locks. 

She came up to my room and asked so like mamma 
if she could help me, that a choking sensation came into 
my throat, and I turned away to hide my tears, not able 
to answer. Aunt Mabel left immediately. I am sure 
she thought I was cross and ugly about it.” 

“ Never mind, Kate, some day I will make it all right 
with her.” 

But Katy felt she had been laughed at in the class. 
Her cheeks burned and a passionate longing for her 
mother came over her. Some one to go to and tell her 
childish sorrow — and she broke down and burst into 
tears. 

“ Oh,” said Paul, taking both her little hands in his, 

25 


26 


MRS, SINFLETOM, 


if I could only comfort you, Katy,” and a world of pity 
looked out from his dark eyes. 

“ Papa and mamma always taught me to say, * Miss 
Singleton,’ ” she sobbed. 

To be sure,” replied Paul, not knowing exactly what 
to say. He sat down on the grass beside her, and strove 
by every means to soothe and calm his little troubled 
friend. 

“Talk to me about your mamma. Was she like 
Cousin Mabel ? ” 

“ A little,” answered Katy. 

“ I would not call her back if I could,” continued 
Paul. 

Katy looked up through her tears astonished. “ Why, 
Paul ? ” 

“Because,” he answered, “she is safe in the Shep- 
herd’s arms.” 

This made Katy silent for a few moments, and Paul 
went on : 

“ Cousin Mabel is good and true. You love her, 
don’t you ?” 

“ Oh yes, Paul, for I often wish I was Robbie when 
she holds him in her arms.” 

“ Then go to her, don’t be shy — but say ' Aunt Mabel, 
love me, too. Take us both in your arms.’ She would 
do it, I know she would,” said Paul, and he looked the 
love he felt for her. 


MRS. SINGLETON, 


27 


Do you think I will ever be happy again without 
mamma, Paul ? I miss her so. Should your mother be 
taken from you, is the only way I can tell you.” 

Paul shuddered, and with a sudden burst of feeling, 
he threw his arms around her and soothed her tears 
away. 

“ Now, cheer up,” he said, ** and we will walk on ; and 
I will tell you about our English cousins, Lord Dun 
Donald and his brother, Dan. Mr. Langdon knew them 
both abroad, and called yesterday to see them. The 
party to-night will be a swell one, you can bet,” and here 
Paul whistled and gave two or three bounds over the grass 
at the thought of the ice cream. ** The guests are coming 
from Hyde Park, Tivoli, and all around within ten or 
fifteen miles of us.” 

** Aunt Mabel’s dress is beautiful,” said Katy. She 
showed it to me this morning — white grenadine with 
violets.” 

Oh, you would laugh to see Aunt Lyddy,” contin- 
ued Paul, she was up at five this morning, and had 
taken all the glass and china from the pantry shelves. I 
heard mother telling father that when she expostulated 
with her she replied, ‘she had made up her mind to 
slave herself to have the evening go off well’ It is as 
good as a play to be with Aunt Lyddy ; she does so 
many queer things. I wish you were coming. But I 
will save you a box of goodies, Kate. Look at my 


28 


SINGLETON. 


knife and he opened a beautiful one, with a pearl 
handle and four blades.” 

Who gave it to you ? ” 

“ Lord Dun Donald, I like him better than Dan, but 
mother don’t Tell me, Katy, truly, do yoU' wish 
mother had invited you ? We talked it up, but she 
thought you were too young.” 

“ I am too young, Paul,” answered Katy. Then, all 
the parties in the world could not compensate for the 
happiness I am going to have this evening ! ” 

“ Why, what’s that, Kate ? ” 

Darling Robbie ! To hold him in my arms, and press 
his little face close to mine,” — and Katy’s countenance 
beamed at^the thought, — “ to rock him, to put him to 
sleep — Elsie has promised me.” 

“ That wild little fellow,” said Paul, “ I hear he was 
lost three times yesterday.” 

“ He was, and the third time we found him in the ice- 
house.” 

“A cool retreat for Master Rob on a hot day,” said 
Paul. 

They had now reached the entrance to Mr. Church- 
ill’s place, and Paul and Katy passed through the gate, 
around to the rear of the house, where behind a clump 
of old chestnut-trees the stables were, and Paul led out 
his beautiful gray mare. 

“ Sometimes you shall ride, Kate,” he said. “ Have 


MJ^S. SINGLETON. 


29 


you a saddle?” Then, seeing his mother at the open 
window, called out, Mother, has Frank Bolton been 
here this morning ? ” 

‘‘No, dear,” answered his mother. 

“ He promised to be here exactly at one.” 

“I am afraid' some day,” interrupted Aunt Lyddy, 
“ we will regret having countenanced that wall-eyed boy 
so much.” 

“ It may be, but I will not always be able to select 
Paul’s companions. Is it not better to warn him than to 
awaken a stronger feeling in Frank’s favor by prohibi- 
tion and banishment ? And then. Aunt Lyddy, after 
this morning’s performance, I am surprised to hear you 
express any uneasiness as to the frequency of his visits 
here.” At this Aunt Lyddy looked a little embar- 
rassed. 

Early that morning Paul had been despatched with a 
note of invitation to the Boltons, delayed for several 
days undergoing discussion as to the propriety of their 
being bidden to the feast. But Paul, as usual, with his 
arguments and warmth, encouraged by Aunt Lyddy, had 
prevailed. 

“ They are neighbors,” he said, “ that alone is suffi- 
cient. I know they are not connected with your Earls 
and Lords, but to see one. Aunt Lyddy, will be a great 
help to them in their social position hereafter, and you 
and mother should not stand in the way of it.” 


30 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


“ Oh, Paul !” This was Aunt Lydia’s usual exclama- 
tion when she thought him too clever to live. 

I know, Paul,” remarked his mother, ‘‘ but we have 
never invited any of them in a social way, and why be- 
gin now ?”■ 

Paul could not and would not see iL 
Oh well,” said Aunt Lydia to his mother, ‘‘there 
are some things in life we must do, however distasteful, 
and this seems to be one of them.” 

“ You have just hit it I” cried Paul. 

“ You can give them a verbal invitation, then,” replied 
his mother. 

“ No, that won’t do, it must come from you.” And 
Paul flew to the writing-desk and placed the note paper, 
pen, and ink before his mother, and, leaning over her, 
watched intently. 

“ Now Frank’s,” he said, and hurriedly taking them in 
his hands, seized his hat from the hall table, and was off 
as the servant entered to announce breakfast. 

All the interest Mr. Churchill took in it was to ex- 
claim, “What has all this pow-wow been about? I 
could scarcely finish an article in my paper.” 

“Ellen, there he is, playing croquet with Paul and Katy.” 

“ Who ?” asked Mrs. Churchill 

“ Why, Frank Bolton.” 

Poor Aunt Lyddy, with her fears and her love for 
Paul, was ever in consternation and anxiety. 


MRS, SINGLETON. 


31 


She was a maiden aunt of Mr. Churchiirs, and had 
had the entire charge of him since his mother’s death, 
which occurred during his early childhood. They left 
England together, and soon after Mr. Churchill entered 
into stock speculations in this country. 

As he had once been her idol, now Paul, the son, 
filled that place exclusively and undividedly. 

She would have given her life any moment for him, 
though often injudicious in her treatment, as those per- 
sons generally are who are governed entirely by their 
feelings. 

Paul and Katy now entered the house, and Paul whis- 
pered something in his mother’s ear. 

“ Certainly,” she answered, Katy, you will dine 
with us ?” 

Aunt Mabel said I might, if invited,” replied Katy. 

When dinner was concluded, Mrs. Churchill said. 

Would you like to see the supper table for to-night ?” 
and led the way, followed by Paul* and Katy. Paul 
talked fast and incessantly of the prices, which he ap- 
peared to know all about, having had his. private inter- 
views with the waiters. 

“ You see that candied pyramid, Kate ? Before to- 
night it will be thirty dollars gone.” 

His mother looked in astonishment at him, and shook 
her head. 

A dead waste ! ” Then spying some candied oranges 


32 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


and other fruits in a side dish, he filled his hands fuH and, 
casting a furtive glance around, crammed them down 
Katy’s mouth with great vigor, who now felt like leaving, 
and said : 

“Paul, I must hurry home before dark. Aunt Mabel 
will be looking for me.” 


CHAPTER V. 


M abel singleton had given very little 
thought to Katy since she had become an 
inmate of her house, not intentionally but thought- 
lessly. She saw that the little girl had all that childhood 
required, and even went so far as to give orders that the 
best of everything should be at her disposal, and that 
there should be no preference given by the servants or 
her nurse, Elsie, to her own child. Seeing Katy in mo- 
ments of forgetfulness when childhood and nature assert 
their rights, joyous and happy, even at times noisy and 
heedless as her own little Robbie, she concluded she had 
thrown off the memory of her sorrow, or that the child 
had not much heart. But she did not see the little 
orphan alone at play, when the sight of a flower, or her 
mother’s favorite tree, would start the tears to her eyes 
and cause her to call upon that dear name that could no 
longer answer and for those loving words that could no 
longer cheer. Nor alone in her room at night, when her 
mother’s likeness, hanging from the wall, looked down 
upon her; nor when in the bureau drawer she saw the 
little pile of handkerchiefs hemmed by her loving hands» 
when again the cry would burst forth, mamma, mamma, 
how can I live without you ! ” 

33 


34 


AfJ^S. SINGLETON, 


Had Mabel known all this, her own warm heart would 
have gone out to the little orphan, and the love redoubled 
which had been so long withheld. And so it is, under 
our own roof, under our own eyes even, there are many 
aching hearts, and we know it not. 

The hall was not dark, nor yet was it light, when Katy 
entered and ran hastily up the broad oak stairs to her 
own little room. Taking off her hat and gloves, and 
carefully placing them aside, she flew along the corridor 
to her Aunt’s door, and knocked. A sweet voice said, 
“Come in. I am so glad you have returned, Katy. I 
have been looking for you. The servants are taking 
their tea, and while Elsie is at hers, will you play with 
Robbie ? He does not seem to get along with Rhoda 
Hill, the nursery maid. Do you know why ? ” 

Katy hardly knew what to answer, for Elsie had said, 
“ Don’t complain of Rhoda Hill to your Aunt, for she is 
a poor girl and I do not wish to take the bread and but- 
ter out of her mouth.” 

Mabel was ripping off some lace from a dress and did 
not notice Katy’s hesitation. 

“ Can you tell me why, Katy ?” she continued. “ She 
is kind to Robbie, is she not ? ” 

“ Oh yes,” replied Katy. “ That is not the trouble.” 

“ What is it then ? ” 

“ She does strange things. Aunt Mabel.” 

“How?” 


MRS, Sim LET ON, 35 

Throws the chairs and tables over, and when Elsie 
scolds, declares she never placed a hand upon them.” 

** Young and full of her pranks,” thought Mabel, “but 
if she is gentle with Robbie and does her work well, I 
will let it go.” 

“Now for the important business of dressing,” and 
Mabel rose and walked over to the glass. 

“ Katy, Eunice has gone out this evening to visit her 
sister, will you remain and assist me a little? I will 
show you my jewelry, too, which I think you have never 
seen. Take this key and unlock the middle drawer of 
my bureau in the dressing room, and bring me a large 
Russian leather box. Then you can take it to the window 
and examine at your leisure.” 

“ Oh, how beautiful ! ” would Katy exclaim from time 
to time, as she held up to the light an exquisite mosaic 
necklace or diamond bracelet. “ Do wear this to-night! 
But quick. Aunt Mabel; here comes Robbie! Had I 
not better hide them ? ” 

It was too late ! Robbie pulled the box from her 
hand, and in a moment the contents lay scattered in 
every direction over the floor. 

Mabel and Katy looked at each other in hopeless dis- 
may, and when they stooped to pick up the sparkling 
gems, Robbie mounted on their backs and insisted on a 
ride. 

“ It is of little avail,” said Mabel, “ we must give him 


36 


MRS. SINGLETON; 


his play out, or peremptorily take him over to Elsie. I 
wonder she could not have kept him a little longer.” 

Of course, Robbie remained and played “I spy” and 
“ horse ” with Katy, until Mabel Singleton completed her 
toilet. 

Mr. Langdon may possibly return before me, Katy, 
should he leave the party a little earlier with his sister. 
In that case, tell Elsie to show him his room and have 
everything in order for him.” 

And throwing a light scarf over her shoulders, Mabel 
walked towards the door, when suddenly turning around 
she exclaimed, ‘‘ Katy how do I look ? Lord Dun Donald 
and his brother are to be at the party to-night and I must 
show them what America can do in the way of style and 
dress ! ” 

And beauty too,” thought Katy, but had not the 
courage to say it. 

The fragrance from Mabel’s handkerchief, as she passed 
Katy, suddenly and strangely recalled her mamma, and 
as Mabel leaned over to kiss her good bye, she wondered 
the child looked so pale and turned so abruptly away. 

Strange little thing ! ” thought Mabel. Several times 
have I wished to caress her, when she has repulsed my 
attempt.” 

Left to herself in the twilight, Katy drew a chair to the 
window, sat down and looked out, leaning her little head 
against the window sill. The quiet home in England 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


37 


Stood out before her. The garden with its sweet, fragrant 
flowers ; the roses that crept in at a certain window — and 
covering her face with her hands she cried out : 

“ Oh mamma, mamma, where are you ! Why did God 
take you from me — and father too ? Do you see your 
little girl sitting here so lonely, so lonely ? I am always 
thinking of you, mamma.” 

Elsie hears the sob and enters. 

“ Come away, dear, with me. It is a gloomy house any 
way, and doing you no good sitting here in the dark.” 

“ Oh Elsie, hear me once for a few moments — dream- 
ed of mamma last night.” 

“ That must have comforted you, dear child.” 

“ Oh no, it was of her dying — her last look — -her last 
words!” ■ 

What were they, darlint ? ” and Elsie drew closer to 

her. 

It seems so long ago. In the dead of the night, Elsie, 
the nurse came and called me, “ ‘ Quick, quick I’ ” she 
said, ‘Your mamma is going 1’ ” and hurried me into 
the room. 

“ She laid there, looking so white, so pale.” 

“ ‘ Come close, close, darling,’ ” she whispered, and I 
crept into the bed and threw my arms around her. “ ‘ God 
is calling me home, Katy.’ (I could scarcely hear her, 
Elsie.) ‘ It is for a little while, and then you will follow. 
Don’t weep when I am gone. You have been a dear, 


38 MRS, SINGLETON. 

good child. Speak, darling, I want to hear your voice.’ ” 
I could not, Elsie, and I sobbed, ‘ Don’t, don’t leave 
me!’ and she died.” 

Elsie wiped her eyes. “ Take heart honey, dear,” she 
said, “ it is all for the best. Dry up your tears and come 
with me ; remember Robbie is waiting for you,” and she 
led the little orphan to the nursery and placed him in 
her arms. 

** Oh ! kiss me, Robbie, kiss me ! ” the poor child ex- 
claimed, no one kisses me now ; no one has, since 
mamma went away I ” And dear Robbie as if touched with 
compassion, twined his little arms around her and kissed 
her over and over again. 

*‘She will come back,” whispered the little fellow, wip- 
ing away her tears with his own little handkerchief. 

Oh I if it were only true,” murmured Katy, clasping 
him closer in her arms. 

As it grew later, Robbie called for a story, and by 
degrees Katy felt his little head fall more heavily on her 
shoulder and knew he would soon be asleep. She be- 
gan softly singing to him in the gathering twilight a 
little nursery hymn her mother had often sang to her, 
and then, at a sign from Elsie, gently rose to put him in 
his crib, but he called out, “ Go on,” and Katy had the 
happiness of rocking her darling one half hour longer. 

Mr. Langdon came up just in time to hand Mrs. Single- 
ton to her carriage. 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


39 


Are you not going ? she asked. 

** No,” he replied, I sent my refusal this morning,” 
and closing the door, he touched his hat and bade her 
‘^goodnight.” 

** How beautiful she is,” he thought, and turned and 
walked up the stone steps. 


CHAPTER VI. 


'"jp HE evening of the party had now arrived, and Paul 
and his father walked for the second time the en- 
tire length of the drawing room, readjusting a curtain 
here, replacing a chair there, or changing some bronze 
figure or ornament to a more prominent and effective 
position. 

When the servant entered to light the large brass 
chandelier and side lights, Paul took the taper from his 
hands, mounted the’ steps, and with nervous rapidity lit 
each burner. The servant silently stood aside, as no re- 
monstrance came from Mr. or Mrs. Churchill. 

** Get out of the way there. Aunt Lyddy,” he cried 
out, “ or that heirloom on the top of your head will be 
on fire ! What is it ? A yard of old yellow lace belong- 
ing to some* of the great grandmothers a thousand 
years back ? ” 

‘‘ Oh Paul! ” exclaimed Aunt Lyddy, but the smiles 
around the corners of her mouth showed too well how 
pleased she was with his notice. 

I hear a ring,” exclaimed Paul, throwing the taper 
over to the servant, and rushing behind the drawing 
room door, he looked out through the open space into 
the hall. 


A/J^S. SINGLETON. 


41 


It is old Mrs. Willows and her bald-headed husband ! 

Another ring. 

“ Oh what fun ! Come here Aunt Lyd,” and he 
stepped a few feet back and caught her ronud the waist, 
dragging her down to the door. 

“ Oh Paul,” was all she could say. 

‘‘ There goes Mrs. Bronson and the pretty Louise. 
Thunder! here’s Belle Travers; in the name of all 
that’s wonderful what mountain is that she carries on 
her head ? ” 

“ A cluster of wild roses ; how lovely they are.” 

“ No, no, I mean the highest peak. You must mount 
stilts. Aunt Lyd, to give me the name and color of 
that I ” 

“Oh Paul, you’re too much! It’s her shell comb. 
I’ve heard Mabel speak of it’s remarkable workmanship 
and hight. But what keeps Lord Dun Donald and 
Dan ? ” 

“ Their valet is laid up in bed. He has been at father’s 
basket of champagne. I’ll be bound, and there is no one 
to wash their faces and tie their cravats.” 

Another, “ Oh Paul ! ’’ from Aunt Lyddy. 

“There they come,” now he cried, as Lord Dun 
Donald and Dan made their way in and out of the ladies’ 
long skirts and dresses to the drawing room. 

“ Paul, we must leave our places ; don’t you see they 
are beginning to enter ? ” 


42 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


“ Paul,” called out his father, ** if you don't hurry the 
door will be thrown open and your nose taken off ! ” 

When Mrs. Singleton entered Mrs. Churchill’s draw- 
ing room, the guests had nearly all assembled and, for a 
country party, it was late. Mrs. Churchill’s spirits rose 
at her entrance, for Paul had not been backward in tell- 
ing his mother there would be no life or animation until 
his cousin Mabel arrived. 

Mabel Singleton, though closely allied by blood to the 
English, had never liked them. Her mother’s family had 
been proud and arrogant, and had never forgiven their 
sister for marrying an American. 

Mabel knew all the circumstances connected with it, 
and at times could scarcely be civil to her Uncle Mack, 
who had on several occasions uninvited ensconced him- 
self in her house. 

She therefore felt relieved, when Mr. Churchill pre- 
sented his English cousins, that they had no stronger tie 
or claims upon her than mere acquaintanceship. They 
being related to their host through some other branch 
of the Churchill family. 

There was a striking resemblance, at first sight, be- 
tween Lord Dun Donald and Dan, but after an hour or 
so in their society you lost it and nothing remained 
but that indescribable family likeness which is so puz- 
zling at times. 

Of these brothers. Lord Dun Donald’s was the stronger 


MRS, SINGLE TOM. 


43 


and more thoughtful character. He was tall and well 
built, a little inclined to embonpoint, but his high-toned, 
gentlemanly bearing impressed yod at once, 

Dan was a trifle shorter, and also stout He had ar 
affectionate disposition, and there was a happy, humour- 
ous light in his bright blue eye which was peculiarly at- 
tractive. 

If these young Englishmen had felt, on landing, a little 
superiority over their American cousins, it was pardon- 
able, when you think of the specimens that reach their 
shore and which they accept as the highest type of well- 
bred Americans. 

It is to be hoped that among the refined and cultivated, 
assembled together this evening, they will have an oppor- 
tunity of changing their unfavorable opinion, for rarely 
will one find more elegance and refinement than is met 
with on the banks of the beautiful Hudson. 

After the usual formalities of a first introduction had 
passed between Lord Dun Donald and Mrs. Singleton, 
Dan, as his brother always termed him, took out his glass 
and, placing it firmly in his eye, cooly stared at Mabel for 
some moments; then, replacing it in his pocket, ex- 
claimed, “ By Jove ! " and walked off. 

She turned to Lord Dun Donald who still remained at 
her side and remarked, ** I have just received a proof of 
high English breeding.'* 

He bowed. With the music and hum of voices, he 


44 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


did not quite understand her, but took it for granted her 
remark implied a compliment. To do Dan justice, he 
had not the slightest idea Mabel had overheard him, for 
he trusted to the mingled murmurs of a crowd to drown 
his empathic exclamation. 

‘‘ Do you leave for Canada in the morning ? ” asked 
Mabel, continuing to address Lord Dun Donald ? 

‘‘That is our intention. We expect to return here 
again at the expiration of five weeks. We must see a 
little more of Churchill, you know — clever fellow ! ” 

“Not so very,” thought Mabel, without expressing her 
opinion. 

“ You have a very brilliant party here to-night,” con- 
tinued his lordship. “ I am surprised my countrymen 
who have preceded us do not give a better idea of your 
social customs.” 

“ Most naturally,” replied Mabel, “ they so rarely find 
entrance into the higher walks of society.” 

“ How is that ? ” he asked, with a slight astonishment 
in his voice. 

“ I think the difficulty must lie in not having proper 
introductory letters. However, they appear quite satis- 
fied to be seized upon and entertained by the city au- 
thorities, who, from their stand point, give them all the in- 
formation they deem of sufficient consequence to receive. 

“ Ton my word,” thought his lordship, “ she handles 
us a little roughly.” 


MJ^S, SINGLETON, 


45 


“ And with this imperfect knowledge,” continued Mabel, 
“ seldom passing the threshold of a gentleman’s door, 
they not unfrequently return to their own country and 
write a book on the manners and customs of America ! 
However,” she added, letting him down gently, “ of late 
years your ideas are becoming more enlarged.” 

Thank you,” returned Lord Dun Donald with a 
slight inclination of his head, and then renewed the con- 
versation by saying, ‘‘ Can you give me the name of that 
lady standing near the sliding door, dressed in white with 
diamonds ? ” 

Mrs. Mansfield, of New York.” 

Her air is decidedly high-bred, but why look further ! ” 
thought his Lordship, gazing admiringly at Mabel. 

And how unmistakable it is I’air noble,” said Mrs. 
Singleton. 

You are quite right,” acquiesced Lord Dun Donald, 
and then added, “ Langdon tells me there is a geeat deal 
of aristocracy here among the old families ; and the line 
quite as strongly drawn as in England.” 

Yes, Dun Donald,” interrupted Churchill, who stood 
near and caught his last words. But talent and educa- 
tion in this republican government have as prominent a 
position, and rank equally with it. 

Ah,” replied his Lordship, vaguely. 

I shall have to show them some attention,” reflected 
Mabel, and better at once engage them to dine with me 


46 


MRS. SINGLETON’. 


on their return. She forthwith proffered the invitation 
to his Lordship and Dan, who had just then wandered 
to her side, finding it impossible to keep long from her 
presence, and it was politely accepted by them in re- 
turn. 

Mable, now seeing her friend Belle Travers looking 
hopelessly over in her direction and knowning a ‘ Lord ’ 
was a good deal to her, moved off and whispered in her 
ear, Not been introduced yet ? ” 

** No,’" retorted Belle, ‘'and quite a piece of neglect I 
take it on the part of the host and hostess.” 

" Let me present them to you,” suggested Mable. 

I can wait,” rejoined Belle. 

But Mabel detected a slight irritation in her tone, and 
indeed she was too showy a looking girl for England’s 
Lords to pass unheeded by. 

“ How do you like them Mabel ? for certainly you 
have had a good opportunity of judging,” asked Belle. 

" Very well,” and Mabel hurried off quickly to George 
Churchill and caught hold of his arm exclaiming : “ Pre- 
sent your Englishmen at once to Belle Travers, and ward 
off the gathering storm over your head.” 

“ Certainly. But, Mabel, will you first walk with me a 
little while,” offering his arm. 

"Where shall we go ?” she inquired. 

" To the conservatory.” Once there, he plucked a 
few carnations, beautifully pencilled with all bright col- 


MRS. SINGLETON. 47 

ors, and gave them to her. Then took one himself and 
tore it to pieces in an absent manner. 

“ Will you have an ice he abruptly asked. 

No, thank you, I am not warm and will wait until 
supper.” 

“ I think you must have kept Langdon away to-night,” 
he next said. 

I knew there was something on his mind,” thought 
Mabel. How so ? Is he not free to come and go as he 
pleases ? 

Why look at it Mabel ; Hester Stedman is here with 
the Travers. It is a mile from Oakland. You both 
come from the same direction ; from the very same 
house. You are unaccompanied with the exception of a 
maid. Were he here, would it not be natural for you to 
offer him a seat in your carriage, eh ?” 

Not at all,” said Mabel, throwing back her head 
haughtily. It would never enter into my head.” 

** Well, well ; don’t look indignant. I merely ima- 
gined it might be an awkward affair all around and that, 
that had kept him away.” 

** Mr. Langdon certainly has powers of locomotion, 
has he not ? and who would not enjoy a walk this fine 
moonlight night ? ” 

** People might talk, you know.” 

Of what?” answered Mabel impatiently. You 
knew I was obliged to have a tutor for Katy ; it was 


48 


MJ^S. SINGLETON’. 


among Mr. Singleton’s last requests ; and you were very 
glad to have the opportunity for Paul. Now stop all 
this nonsense.” Then suddenly she exclaimed, “ Have 
there been any remarks made, or is it the coinage of 
your own brain ? ” 

After hesitating a minute or so, and seeing he had 
made an egregious blunder, he admitted the whole thing 
emanated with himself 

“ I shall be on my guard, however,” thought Mabel, 
distant, though polite. No idle remarks shall be made 
about me.” 

“One thing more, Mabel,” added Churchill, anxiously; 
“ don’t be hard on my countrymen.” 

“ It v^uld be unjust and unfair, George,” was Mabel’s 
reply, “ to carry my prejudices so far. I wish I could 
banish from my mind their stern and harsh treatment of 
my mother, which only terminated with death.” 

Churchill relapsed into discouraged silence for a few 
moments, and then excitedly exclaimed, “You know 
quite well that Americans are intolerable at times.” 

“ I shall not dispute it, dear cousin,” she answered, 
moving off and looking back at him with a smile; “ the 
whole world is wrong at times.” 

“ I cannot argue with her,” thought Churchill. “ She 
is too beautiful to begin with ; and I believe, half the 
time she amuses herself in fooling me.” 

• When next Mabel’s eyes wandered towards Belle, she 


AfJ^S. SINGLETON". 


49 


was wreathed in smiles, and the young Englishmen hav- 
ing good “ fun,” as they termed it, for Belle was brilliant^ 
quick at repartee, and said with a good deal of dash 
whatever came into her head. Mabel feared she might 
be a little too lavish with her compliments, but sauve 
qtii pent. Lord Dun Donald and Dan now took a 
few moments to themselves, and wandered about the 
rooms. They were very happy — these Englishmen, ad- 
mired and courted — and enjoying themselves hugely ! 

“ I say,” whispered Dan, as they passed each other on 
their way to the supper room, “ it appears all right here, 
eh ? That Mrs. Singleton is a glorious creature. I 
shouldn’t mind taking such a specimen of a wife back to 
England. The American money would be an immense 
advantage to me, Oswald. Confound it, why don’t you 
answer ?” 

Don’t chaff, Dan,” replied his lordship, pulling his 
moustache meditatively. “ By the by, where’s Langdon 
to-night ? Churchill assured us he would be here.” 

“ Confound Langdon, when champagne flows so free- 
ly,” returned Dan, as he quaffed down the sparkling wine. 

Paul, when he could take his eyes from the supper 
table, would glance at his cousin Mabel to see if she was 
receiving all the attention his boyish admiration felt she 
deserved. 

That he should indulge in ice cream to an unconscion- 
able degree, was not a surprise to Mabel, but she was 


50 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


pained to see the ease and smack with which he quaffed 
down a couple of glasses of sherry. 

The band now struck up Strauss' intoxicating An 
der schonen blauen Donau,” and quick as a flash of 
lightning, Belle Travers flew by encircled in the arms of 
some waxed-moustached dandy half her size, her long 
flowing train sweeping in an out among the guests, who 
hastily retreated to the other side of the room in mo- 
mentary dread of a personal contact. At length, over- 
come by the heat and exertion, her partner landed her 
with one rush against the folding door, and spasmodi- 
cally jerking from her side her large spreading fan, 
began vigorously fanning his panting partner. 

Other couples now formed; foremost among them 
Dan, whose fine white cambric handkerchief was brought 
in requisition by the prolonged enjoyment of his favorite 
dance. 

The lateness of the hour suggested home to the guests, 
and Dan rushed bare-headed to escort Mabel Singleton 
to her carriage. She laughed, as she drove off, to think 
how her heart had relented to the poor culprit for this 
one act of gallantry. 

But what was it that puzzled Mabel Singleton that 
moonlight drive home ? Was it that Reuben Langdon 
had preferred a quiet evening alone 


CHAPTER VII. 


Mrs. Singleton’s carriage had driven from the 
door, Katy called out, ** Is that you Mr. Langdon ; 
would like to go to your room ? ” 

A little warrantable curiosity induced Reuben to reply 
In the affirmative, and he followed Elsie up the stairs to 
his bed room door. There she paused and said, “ Mrs. 
Singleton preferred you being on this floor and not far 
from the nursery. Her room is directly opposite.” 

** Have you been long in this family, Elsie,” enquired 
Langdon. 

Since my master was a child, sir.” 

** Was Miss Katy’s father an older brother ? ” 
'^Younger, sir, and died a year or two before his 
father. It was supposed the property would have been 
equally divided between Miss Katy and her Uncle Rob- 
bert ; but it was all left to my master with the exception 
of thirty thousand dollars settled on Miss Katy. My 
Mistress does not allow her to touch a pennyK)f it, until 
she is of age, and then, she says, with the interest she will 
have something quite handsome. Thomas overheard 
my mistress making the arrangement with her lawyer 
and requesting him to keep it from the knowledge of 
Miss Katy and her family. There’s not a mean hair in 

51 


52 


MJ^S. SINGLETON, 


her head, sir ! and she is very lavish with Miss Katy ; 
her own child couldn’t have more beautiful clothes ! ” 

“ You have heard no supernatural sounds around?” 
asked Reuben, casually. 

She glanced cautiously about her before replying, and 
then coming a little nearer to Reuben’s ear whispered, 

I try to make light of it before my young mistress, but 
we have both heard not only sounds, but persons walk- 
ing in the dead of night ! ” 

Reuben strove to keep his countenance, she looked so 
mysterious, and her mouth had that puckered-in look, 
persons about to whistle have. However,” he gravely 
replied, should it occur again you must knock at my 
door, and together we will sift it to its foundation.” 

Oh, sir, don’t meddle with them or you’ll come, to 
harm.” 

“ I hope not, Elsie.” 

It has been a pretty noisy house, sir, in my day,” 
she continued, *^and peaceable enough just now, but” — 
and she shook her head, went in, and shut the nursery 
door. 

When left alone, Reuben gazed leisurely around and 
was pleased with the pleasant, cheerful aspect of his 
room. It was furnished with the utmost simplicity, but 
with evidence of good taste. The chairs and lounge 
were covered in narrow-striped red and white linen, and 
the curtains were of soft, dotted muslin. It looked 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


53 


cool and comfortable. Twilight was fast deepening, for 
it was long after nine, and drawing out the large arm- 
chair from its recess towards the window, Reuben 
sat down and looked out on the garden and orchard be- 
yond. He mused over the incidents or the day, the 
changes that had taken place in his life during the last 
twenty-four hours, until he heard Mrs. Singleton’s car- 
riage come winding along the gravel road to the house. 

His first impulse was to descend and assist her to 
alight. Perhaps his second thoughts were better, and 
he prepared to retire for the night, but it was long before 
he could close his eyes or banish from his mind a soft 
hazel eye and a low-toned Good night.” 

When Reuben rose the next morning, the sun was al- 
ready high in the heavens and he feared he was late, 
having forgotten to enquire of Mrs. Singleton’s breakfast 
hour the night before. Notwithstanding, he prepared 
his toilet with care, having made it a rule in life, if possi- 
ble, not to run down in dress, manners or etiquette. 

When he entered the breakfast room, Mrs. Singleton 
and Katy were already seated. Robbie sat on a little 
high chair by his mother’s side, and was clamorously 
demanding more hash. Reuben took his seat opposite 
his little friend Katy, for whom he felt a strong sympathy; 
for were they not both in a measure dependent upon the 
smiles and favors of their young mistress ? 

She sat gracefully at the head of the table pouring out 


54 


MRS. SINGLETON'. 


the coffee, and began giving an amusing description of 
the party the previous evening and the young English 
cousins, as she termed them. 

Why were you not there, Mr. Langdon ? she en- 
quired, many were the regrets expressed for your 
absence.” 

Reuben replied, he was gratified to be missed, but 
had not felt quite in the humor for dissipation.” 

“ I understand you knew Lord Dun Donald and his 
brother very well,” Mrs. Singleton continued. 

Yes, they were frequent guests at Mr. John Maitland’s. 
(Mrs. Churchill’s brother) where we met often and be- 
came very good friends.” 

“ It is astonishing how ignorant even the very best ed- 
ucated foreigners are of our country.” 

It frequently surprised me,” answered Reuben. An 
American would blush to be so destitute of knowledge 
geographically and socially. But, of course, I found many 
exceptions and will instance Lord Dun Donald.” 

Mrs. Singleton did not appear to notice the latter part 
of Mr. Langdon’s remark but went on, I constantly lost 
my temper trying to answer their stupid questions when 
abroad, particularly a German Baroness, who exclaimed 
one evening, ^‘Frau Singleton, how comes it you have 
escaped the vipers and scorpions in your own country ? 
I had a brother who died there from their bite.” 

“I replied they did not run wild all over America;” 


MJ^S. SINGLETOISf. 


55 


but she shook her head incredulously as if to say, ‘ No 
prevarication, I pray !’ But the English voices I do ad- 
mire. Even in shopping, I would frequently forget what 
I had asked for in listening to the rich deep tones of the 
men and women in conversation. You see I am not pre- 
judiced, I can give praise where it is merited!” 

I am sure of it,” said Reuben, absently. He had 
been admiring for some time her enthusiasm, and had re- 
marked how utterly incapable she appeared to be of speak- 
ing on any subject, no matter how trifling, with indiffer- 
ence or languor. If she felt no interest, she was silent. 
Feign she could not. 

*^But you surprise me,” he at length said, recovering 
from his revery, “ as to the English voices ; that hesitation 
at times creates such impatience on the part of the list- 
ener.” 

** All do not hesitate.” 

‘‘ No ; it has been my misfortune, however, to have met 
with quite a number.” 

There’s a great deal of beauty in America, Mr. Lang- 
don, especially among the men,” she added with a smile. 

Her manner puzzled him. Is she speaking seriously 
or ironically,” he thought ; and answered, “ Had you 
said especially among the American women, I should have 
agreed with you most heartily.” 

Yes, there is a great deal of beauty among the Amer- 
ican women,” she answered gravely. “ If you will walk 


56 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


this way I can show you many specimens, especially in the 
Singleton family. This one with the powdered hair and 
pearl necklace, was Mr. Singleton’s grandmother, and 
he was said to be very much like her. It was an Eng- 
lish family originally, but she was born in this country. 
Unlike the English, if you remark, she has that serious, 
thoughtful gray eye. Such eyes always possess a charm 
for me. Katy is growing very much like her.” 

Langdon looked no farther. His eyes now became 
rivited to a face, he once said, he never could forget. 
From the wall it looked down upon him with a calm, yet 
resolute expression, and in what ever direction he moved, 
those eyes followed him. 

Mrs. Singleton walked on, she knew what held him 
there, and Reuben’s thoughts went back four years ago. 

It is strange,” she said, as she rejoined him, that I 
never met you in my childhood or girlhood. This was 
your birthplace, I believe ? ” 

“ I left so soon for Europe.” 

And I was sent to a boarding school at the age of 
seven.” 

So early ! ” 

“Yes, I believe I was unmanageable at home, and was 
marched off to inflict others.” ^ 

I have met you before, Mrs. Singleton 1 ” 

Mabel looked surprised. 

“Four years ago I watched you from this very win- 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


57 


dow. You were walking towards those maple trees. I 
can remember the very dress you wore, and once you 
turned ” 

Good morning, Paul ! good morning, Ellen ! ” ex- 
claimed Mabel. 

“ I thought I was late,” said Paul, and he dashed the 
hair from his forehead and looked speakingly around. 

“It is a little after nine,” Reuben replied, looking at 
his watch. 

“ Thomas,” said Mrs. Singleton to the waiter, “ call 
Miss Katy, and tell Elsie to bring Master Robbie to me.” 

So few American women give their children the title 
of ^ Master ’ and ‘ Miss ’ under twelve, that Mabel Single- 
ton’s order fell pleasingly on Reuben’s ear. As the little 
ones advance from babyhood to riper years, the habit 
still remains until the parents become indignant at the 
want of respect shown to their children that their own 
example and folly brought about. To be sure not often, 
but there have been instances where the mistress of a 
fine establishment, entitled also by birth and education 
to know better, has called out to her gardener, “ Mr. 
Duggan, Mr. Duggan, have you seen Johnny,” — a lad of 
eighteen years old ! 

When Mabel found herself alone with Mrs. Churchill, 
she exclaimed — 

“ Ellen, what excuse did Mr. Langdon give for refus- 
ing your invitation last evening ?” 


58 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


I have forgotten. It was a very polite note, how- 
ever. Why ? ” 

“ Nothing, I did not know but there was some special 
reason. How lovely his sister Hester looked last night ; 
her black lace dress louped up with flowers was so re- 
fined.” 

“ She always wears black. I think she must know 
how becoming it is to her white, marble-like complex- 
ion,” replied Mrs. Churchill. 

Were you surprised to hear I had invited her brother 
to remain at Oakland,” asked Mabel, with a slight shade 
of embarrassment in her voice. 

“ I was a little,” answered Mrs. Churchill. 

Belle Travers will be here soon and that will make it 
all right.” Then Mabel dashed forth, It does very 
well for you in your large beautiful home with Aunt 
Lyddy, George, and Paul, but I am entirely surrounded 
with children, and for the last month I have thought I 
should scream out with loneliness and fright, for you 
are not aware probably that I am living in a haunted 
house !” 

‘‘ Haunted house ! then it has become so very recently, 
Mabel.” 

Oh, yes ; it is too true, that pacing up and down, up 
and down the hall in the dead of the night ! I hear it 
now,” and Mabel placed her hands over her ears as if to 
shut the sound out. 


■ MRS. SINGLETON. 


59 


“ You have never spoken of it before, Mabel ? 

It only has occurred within the last six weeks. 

Why don’t you invite your Uncle Mack again ? He 
always seemed willing and glad to come.” 

‘‘ Oh don’t speak of him. I have kept it to myself as 
long as I could, but he is nothing but an old English 
tyrant ! ” 

“ Oh Mabel, how disrespectful ! ” 

Ellen, you don’t know what it is to be screamed at 
from the top of one’s lungs to ^ come down at once,’ and 
frightened and trembling to stand in his presence and 
hear him call out in a dictatorial voice, * Look at that 
child ; how he is running over those flower beds !’ Now 
I simply ask my own way with my own child, and no 
interference from Mr. Mack McMorris ! His hard do- 
mineering nature was actually making a little deceitful 
coward of Robbie. 

“Just before he left, I was walking over the grounds 
with the children. Katy caught a butterfly and Robbie 
cried out, ^Let it fly, Katy, quick; don’t you see Uncle 
Mack’s coming.’ 

“ Not at all,” I said, “ keep your butterfly ; your 
mamma is the best judge of what is right and wrong. 

“ ‘ But mustn’t we mind Uncle Mack ?’. 

“ This from Robbie, you know, who always will argue 
the point. 

“ My poor aunts lived in abject fear of their father all 


6o 


MRS, SINGLETON. 


their lives, and Uncle Mack is a complete counterpart of 
the old man.” 

Oh Mabel, Mabel,” exclaimed Mrs. Churchill. 

You would laugh to see with what reverence and 
awe they would speak of ‘ me father !’ who was the 
veriest old Tycoon that ever lived. Long before the 
command was given, I have seen the hops and jumps in 
anticipation of it. He kept them cowed and in complete 
subjection one half their time. ” 

“ Mabel, you will make some exceptions, I hope, in our 
poor Englishmen?” 

^‘To be sure, I will,” said Mabel remembering the 
warm-hearted cousin George. 

“ Poor Dan, has been raving about you ever since yes- 
terday evening. He cannot bear to leave this afternoon 
for Canada. But Lord Dun Donald seems inexorable, 
and quiets him with repeated assurances that they will 
return in less than a month.” 

I am sorry,” said Mabel ‘‘ I can’t reciprocate the feel- 
ing, but I can tell what might be possible did he shave 
off his mutton chops and part his hair at the side. ” 

“ What do you think of the elder brother. Lord Dun 
Donald ? ” 

I cannot see why you all admire him so much. Mine 
is not the massive style, with fiery red necks.” 

Mabel, you are incorrigible this morning. I have 
often heard you before, but to-day you have excelled 
yourself. I think I must leave.” 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


6i 


** Don’t go,” and with a sudden impulse of womanly- 
softness, she exclaimed, I have been rather capricious 
and unreasonable, and it is not kind in me when I see so 
little of you.” 

“ I have sympathised with you, dear, throughout. But 
in regard to this haunted house, cease your fears. The 
running of rats and mice I’ve often declared was a human 
foot,” (Mable smiled incredulously) “ and we all know 
what imagination is. But will you not be in,” she con- 
tinued, to Lord Dun Donald and Dan ? I heard 
something about their calling this morning, and should 
like them to see this beautiful house and place.” 

I have ordered the carriage at twelve,” said Mabel, 
** and should I miss them, on their return from Canada I 
have invited them to dine with me. You are to keep me 
posted a little as to their whereabouts. I thought at first 
of giving them a late tea under the Oaks, but concluded 
a dinner was a little more stylish. Thomas is an excel- 
lent waiter, and I shall keep Rhoda Hill in the pantry to 
assist. She is very quick and bright, but a strange look- 
ing girl. Have you ever remarked her eyes ? ” 

Not particularly. How is Reuben Langdon getting 
along ? ” 

It is only his second day, but I like him so much.” 

“ His teaching is a great trial to his father and sister. 
They had counted so largely on his uncle leaving him 
his fortune.” 


62 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


“ I should think they would wait until his death to be 
worried about it,” suggested Mabel. 

Most naturally. But Reuben has intimated that 
dead or alive he shall have none. ” 

During Mabel’s drive a thunder shower arose, and she 
was obliged to seek shelter at her friend’s, Miss Travers, 
where she remained until late in the afternoon. When 
she returned to Oakland, Katy told her that owing to the 
violence of the storm Mr. Langdon had remained and 
lunched with them. 

What kind of a lunch was it, Katy ? ” 

“ A very good one. " 

Anything hot?” 

“ A steak and Saratoga potatoes.” 

“ How did Robbie behave ? ” 

Katy smiled. “ He leaned over the table and took all 
the rolls from the plate, placed two under his arm, and 
with his hands firmly held on the others. ” 

Mabel looked annoyed. “ What did Mr. Langdon 
say ? ” 

“ That he preferred brown bread,” and laughed. “ But 
he seemed delighted with Robbie, Aunt Mabel. He 
took him on his lap, showed him his watch, and told him 
stories. ” 


CHAPTER VII 1. 


CHURCHILL’S anxiety was not altogether 
without cause in regard to Paul. She did not 
wish to watch him too closely, or let him feel she had 
lost confidence or trust in him, but she had on several 
occasions remarked an unusual excitement about him — 
a desire not to enter into conversation or meet her eye. 
On mentioning it to her husband, who was one of those 
easy good-natured sort of men, absorbed in his own 
speculations, and little time, as he said, for the ordinary 
affairs of life, he would only laugh and reply : Con- 

found it, Ellie ; you take life too seriously ; the boy is 
all right, les choses s' arrangent'' a favorite expression 
of his, then humming a tune he Avould walk to the 
window, throw himself in a chair, take out a cigar and 
coolly puff away as if he had satisfactorily solved and 
settled the whole difficulty. 

Frank Bolton at heart was not a bad boy. He had 
many obstacles to contend with in his bringing up, as 
• children must have when their parents, on almost all vital 
points, are at direct variance. Vain were the mother’s 
teachings with the father’s example; or her warnings 
and admonition with his ridicule and laughter. One 
evening Frank Bolton had been particularly desirous 

63 


64 


MJUS. SnVGZETO.Y, 


that Paul should accompany him to a political meeting, 
within a mile of their residence. And as Frank put it, 
the offer was a tempting one to Paul. 

crowd, a band of music, and a supper afterwards, 
to be given to the speaker of the evening.” 

“ Father, has been posting up for the last fortnight,” 
said Frank, “and it will be fun to hear the Governor 
speak. I would not miss it for worlds ! Do not, how- 
ever, mention it to your mother, for we will not return 
until late, and she would only worry about it.” 

Now, Paul did intend mentioning it to his mother, but 
on reaching home his mother and Aunt Lydia were out 
driving, and he left word with the servant to say, “ he 
was with Frank Bolton and might not be back until late 
in the evening.” 

When Mrs. Churchill returned from her drive it was 
after seven. She rang at once for tea, and meeting Mr. 
Churchill in the hall exclaimed : “ Half starved, I have 
no doubt, so we will at once to the tea-room ! But 
where is Paul ? ” she continued, looking a little anxiously 
around. “ He can’t be far off, for driving by the Bolton’s, 
the house was entirely closed, as' if they had gone out 
for a day’s excursion, and the servants, chatting around 
the grounds, did not quite indicate the presence of master 
and mistress.” 

“And now,” interposed Aunt Liddy, “that his morn- 
ings are all spent at Oakland, he would not have gone 
up there.” 


MRS, SINGLETON. 


65 


Oh, never mind speculating about Paul,” cried out 
Mr. Churchill, impatiently, he will turn up all right, I’ll 
be bound, I want my tea; surely I have waited long 
enough for it,” and they simultaneously sat down to the 
table. 

Ellie, you cannot be so silly as to worry over Paul’s 
absence ? ” 

Why no, George, merely asking for him is not worry- 
ing over him. What will you have ?” and Mrs. Churchill 
prepared to make the tea, giving apparently very little 
further thought or anxiety to Paul, 

‘‘ That little Katy Singleton is going to make a beauti- 
ful woman, Ellen. I saw her this afternoon driving with 
Mabel,” observed her husband. 

She will,” replied Mrs. Churchill, “ if she outgrows 
her delicacy.” 

Paul,” remarked Aunt Liddy, says Mabel is be- 
coming very fond of her ; that at first she thought her 
cold and indifferent.” 

‘*Look out. Aunty, for your cap strings — don’t you 
see they’re going in your tea ! ” cried out Mr. Churchill. 

The waiter now entered, walked around and addressed 
a few words in a low tone to Mrs. Churchill. Her hus- 
band caught the name of * Master Paul.’ 

** What’s that ? what’s that ? ” he called out. 

John says,” answered Mrs. Churchill, “that Paul left 
word he was going with the Bolton’s to attend a political 


66 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


meeting at Endfield and would not be back until quite 
late.’^ 

How stupid in me,” said Mr. Churchill. I knew 
all about it. On my way up from the train I saw 
notices of the meeting placarded all around. To be sure 
he will not be back until late. I hear it is to be quite an 
affair, and you must not look for him until long after 
eleven, if not later.” 

“ I should like to leave this neighborhood altogether,” 
burst forth Aunt Liddy, “ and get beyond the reach of 
that red-headed family ! What right had Mr. Bolton to 
take a lad of fifteen to a large political gathering, where 
all sorts and classes meet to carouse and drink ! Let 
him do with his own son what he likes ; but he should 
have certainly given Paul’s mother the privilege of re- 
fusing the invitation ! ” 

I agree with Aunty,” replied Mrs. Churchill, striving 
to appear calm and to suppress her feelings, at the same 
time quite as indignant as Aunt Lydia. “ Mr. Bolton 
may not have known, however, Paul was to have accom- 
panied them.” 

*‘1 don’t know that,” rejoined Aunt Lyddy, in the 
same excited manner. I should not be surprised if it 
had been a preconceived and concocted arrangement all 
around.” 

I should have been rejoiced if Paul had given it up 
altogether,” said Mrs. Churchill, “ when he learned I was 
out.” 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


67 


Mr. Churchill looked from his wife to Aunt Lydia in 
astonishment. **You cannot expect to find a boy of 
fifteen quite as magnanimous as that,” he exclaimed. 
** Now take my advice ; and think no more about it. I 
have been to many a political meeting at fifteen, and 
have not been ruined by it ! ” 

‘‘Yes,” replied Mrs. Churchill, “but not with such an 
unprincipled man as Mr. Bolton.” 

Mr. Churchill fidgeted about a good deal. Opened 
the windows and closed them turned over books, and 
threw them down, and then cried out, “ What consum- 
mate nonsense it all is ! ” 

Mrs. Churchill withdrew to the bay window that 
looked out on the hills beyond. The rose-colored 
clouds were fading to the faintest pink, and the distant 
mountains wore the deepest violet. She did not seem 
inclined to conversation, and when the servant brought 
in the lamps, still remained in the same position. Mr. 
Churchill sat down at the table to smoke and read his 
paper, followed by Aunt Lydia, who drew from her knit- 
ting bag an unfinished sock, that had been in process 
of completion since the early spring months, but had 
never lengthened further than the ancle, for, as the 
accomplishment was taken up late in life, more time 
had been consumed in ripping than knitting. 

Mrs. Churchill now drew up to the table and took out 
her work also. 


68 


MJ^S. SINGLETON. 


The hour of nine was fast approaching when Mr. 
Churchill began generally to think of bed, and rising 
from his chair exclaimed, “ Well, I have had a hard 
day’s work of it, and will leave you, Ellen and Aunt 
Lyddy, to do the waiting and wailing until Paul makes 
his appearance.” 

Mrs. Churchill smiled and bade him good night, but 
not without a reiterated request on his part, “ to be dis- 
turbed as little as possible when they retired for the 
night” 

“ Aunt Lyddy, don’t you sit up later than ten for 
Paul,” said Mrs. Churchill. “ I do not mind being 
alone, and I have several little matters to attend to 
which will occupy me until near eleven if not after.” 

It is indifferent to me how late I sit up,” replied 
Aunt Lyddy, “ and I can knit away here and keep you 
company.” So they wound up the mechanical lamp, 
and drew their chairs closer to the table for a little quiet 
talk together. 

Ellen, I think Mabel quite like her old self again,” 
observed Aunt Lyddy. “ I have not seen her so cheerful 
and happy since her husband’s death. How she ran 
down during the last year of his life I ” 

“ That was when she gave up all hope of his recov- 
ery.” 

“ It was an awful death,” continued Aunt Lyddy. 
“ Oh why don’t they try and pull through, Ellen, on 


MI^S. SINGLETON. 


69 


strong tea and coffee ! It is very stimulating, and would 
well take its place. Cut loose, endure agonies from ab- 
stinence, anything, than be a slave to such a habit, or 
any habit !” 

“Oh Aunt Lydia what is that taste that comes before 
one’s life, one’s wife, and one’s God ?” 

“ I cannot tell, dear ; I never could.” 

“ I have always had great sympathy for those who 
are striving to overcome it, and can scarcely keep from 
telling them how I love and respect them,” said Mrs. 
Churchill. “ It requires such moral strength and God’s 
help.” 

“ Yet time and again I have seen it accomplished,” 
said the good old soul, Aunt Lyddy. “ I have often 
wondered,” she went on,” why Mabel takes so to Belle 
Travers ; to my mind she is not genuine like Hester 
Stedman.’^ 

“ Mabel is amused with her, Aunty. She does not 
seek her for love and sympathy. I do not myself quite 
understand Belle, for I have seen the tears start to her 
eyes at a tale of distress, and her purse is always open to 
relieve the poor. I think that careless, indifferent man- 
ner of hers is often put on to hide her true feelings. 

“ Then her music has a wonderful charm for Mabel. 
She has often remarked, * A person to play with such 
feeling must have soul’ ” 

Aunt Lyddy began to yawn and look sleepy. Mrs. 


70 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


Churchill, looking at her watch, found it was long after 
twelve. 

Oh, why don’t Paul come?” she cried out 
Let us talk about it, dear. It always gives relief. 
Ellen, you never go to any one in your trouble ?” 

‘‘ Oh, yes. Aunty, I do. To a truer and more faith- 
ful Friend than any on earth. * None who find him seek 
farther.’ You remember the beautiful words I once 
gave you : 

** * I always go to Jesus when troubled or distressed, 

I always find a refuge upon His loving breast. 

I tell him all my trials ; I tell him all my grief. 

And while my lips are speaking, He gives my soul relief. 

‘ I always go to Jesus, no matter when or where 
I seek His gracious presence, I always find him there ! 

In times of doubt and sorrow, whate’er my grief may be, 

I always go to Jesus and yesus comes to ’ 

When Mrs. Churchill had finished she looked up at 
Aunt Lyddy, whose soul she thought would have been 
moved as her own had been by these lines so full of 
trust and faith, but her head was nodding and her eyes 
looked dull and heavy. 

Aunt Lyddy, how sleepy you are ! ” 

'' Sleepy ! there is no sleep in me, Ellen dear,” she 
replied with that instinctive indignation which such an 
accusation never fails to rouse. 

“ Well, then you are tired,” said Mrs. Churchill, smil- 
ing, and you must go to bed. It is selfish in me to 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


71 


keep you up any longer, and I will go as far as the 
second floor with you. I prefer waiting for Paul in my 
dressing room.” 

Aunt Lydia silently acquiesced, and rolling up her 
knitting placed it in her bag. The poor sock looked like 
a mingled mass of red yarn, as Aunt Lyddy had been 
too talkative, and at times too sleepy, to give it much 
attention. 

When they reached her room, Mrs. Churchill sat down 
on the first chair near the door. 

** Oh Aunt Lyddy, what shall I do with these wretched 
Boltons? They always come between me and Paul.” 

Never mind, dear,’^ answered Aunt Lydia, “Paul will 
soon be going to college now and that will end them.” 

“ You remember how it was,” she went on, “ about the 
knife. Had it not been for the child's natural nobility of 
character, that viper would have persuaded him to re- 
tain the change. And Mrs. Bolton such a lovely woman, 
too.” 

^ After leaving Aunt Lyddy, Mrs. Churchill entered 
her dressing room, closed the door and sat down. Her 
husband, untroubled, undisturbed, was sleeping peacefully 
in the adjoining room. It was not the first time she had 
watched for Paul, but then never so late as this. 

She sat by the open window which looked out on the 
road to Endfield, that she might sooner detect the sound 
of the wheels as they came along through the carriage 


.ms. SINGLETON. 


72 

drive direct to the house. It was now near two, and no 
Paul yet. She tried to imagine it all right, and pictured 
the meeting over, the crowd dispersing, the Boltons 
seeking their carriage, seated in it, and rapidly driving 
home. She gave them twenty minutes, then thirty — 
more. She tried to read, but in vain ; she could not con- 
trol her thoughts from dwelling on Paul. She became 
nervous, her heart beat at every sound, and she started 
at the slightest movement of her dress. 

The distant village clock struck three, then four. 

“ Paul, Paul, my darling,” she sobbed aloud ; where 
are you ? Oh my child, my idolized child, let it not be 
what I most dread I ” 

She rose and walked up and down the room ; came 
back and looked out again on the clear moonlight, and 
this time distinctly discerned Paul’s figure advancing un- 
steadily along through the dark trees to the house. 

She knew all — trembled, and sat down. 

It had been Paul’s custom from a child always to stop 
at his mother’s bedroom door and relate the little events 
and pleasures of the day. He now passed it, and turn- 
ing to the left slowly ascended the stairs to his own room, 
with a “ good night, mother,” that sounded husky and 
unnatural to her ears. 

This may seem a trifling and foolish incident to show so 
much feeling about, but it is not always what is — but what 
might be — that gives the heart its keenest anguish ! 


MRS, SINGLETON. 


73 


Mrs. Churchill prayed on her knees that morning, for 
it was no longer night. “Father, Thou knowest all! 
Look with pity on my poor aching heart 1 In Thy un- 
erring care I place my darling child. Love him, forgive 
him. Oh Father, hear I ” 

It was as early as seven in the morning, when Mrs. 
Churchill completed her toilet, and passed out from her 
own to Paul’s room. She softly opened the door and 
looked in. Seeing his eyes closed she noiselessly turned 
to leave, but he had heard her step and cried out, 
“ mother I ” 

In a moment they were in each others arms. 

“ Oh Paul, my darling child ! ” 

“ Can you forgive me, dear mother ? ” 

“ Yes, yes.” 

“ Your heart shall never ache again.” 

“ I am sure of it, my darling.” 

“ Believe me it was not planned.” 

“ I do ; indeed, I do.” 

“ Mother, shall I tell you all about it ? Would it re- 
lieve you to know ? ” 

“ Oh I cannot say. Tell me it will never occur again ; 
tell me you do not like it; tell me Frank Bolton shall 
have no more influence; assure me of that. That alone 
Paul is all I care to hear.” 

“ I promise, mother ; faithfully promise. It was to 
appear like the others I made a fool of myself last night, 


74 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


and something Frank Bolton said. But never mind, it 
is unmanly to throw it upon any one. I and I alone am 
to blame ! Mother, why have you always had such a 
dread of drinking ? 

“ I have seen so much of it Paul. You know my 
brother, your Uncle Jack, and then Mr. Singleton — that 
was the saddest case of all ! Your Uncle talked very 
freely with me about drinking. ‘ Tell Paul,’ he would 
often say, ‘ ever to remember the prayer our Father 
gave to the world, Lead us not into temptation.” ’ ” 
What then, mother ? ” 

“ He fought a good fight; conquered and won.” 

But he died after a few years ! ” 

‘‘Yes, dear, but what of that when to hear the 
master say, ‘ Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, 
for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life.’ ” 

“ Mother, why do so many men drink ? I should 
think it is so much easier to go without, than to suffer 
with it.” 

“ I have often thought, Paul, what a happy world 
this would be if Congress passed a law prohibiting 
brandy or whiskey being made or imported into this 
country.” And Mrs. Churchill’s face became radiant 
at the thought. 

“ Tell me a little about Mr. Singleton ; I remember 
how often you went to Oakland when he was so very ill.” 

“ He would never speak of it, or admit he drank, and 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


75 


consequently your cousin Mabel had very little influence 
over him. For we can never reach one’s heart or sor- 
row if it is withheld. She was very brave though, and did 
all she could by her love and attention to win him from 
it. The last evening we sat and waited for him, I shall 
never forget. Your cousin Mabel, I cannot tell why, al- 
ways locked the door of the little reception room where 
we sat, and used to playfully remark ‘ to be forewarned 
is to be forearmed.’ 

We heard a quick excited step along the hall, and 
the door knob quickly turned. Before your cousin 
could rise to unlock it, the bolt was burst asunder, and 
he stood before us ! She immediately touched a bell, 
and I heard the heavy tread of a man’s step, and I knew 
his servant was at hand. 

I cannot enter into all the particulars, Paul, but he 
had the tremens, and was placed in bed and never rose 
again. Often, as your cousin Mabel and I sat by his bed- 
side, he would turn his poor, faded eyes upon us and 
look so sad, it would make your heart ache. But one 
thing, my darling, remember, I bind you to nothing. Be 
moderate in all things. I do not like promises ; at least 
they would not do for you.” 

*^No,” replied Paul, “for if broken, I should lose my 
self-respect and, maddened at the chains that held me, 
rush more wildly into foolishness and folly.” 

“ With his good sense,” thought Mrs. Churchill, “ I 


76 


MJIS. SINGLETON. 


need no longer fear my child ! But Paul, dear, I have 
been talking with you over an hour. Rise ; it is after 
eight, and I must go and see about the breakfast.” 

Mother dear, I will be true to my promise ! ” 

And he was ; Paul never drank again. 

When he entered the breakfast room. Aunt Lyddy sat 
at the table alone. He wished her ' good morning,* but 
without taking the slightest notice of his salutation, she 
exclaimed, Wayward boy ! I am thoroughly ashamed 
of you! I know the unseemly hour you entered last 
night! I shall shake you,” and before he had half sus- 
pected her intention, she applied her words to action, 
exclaiming : Have you no vanity ? What will become 

of your beauty and strength ? With red eyes, red nose 
and — ” but hearing his mother’s step at the door she 
suddenly checked herself and hastily retreated to her 
seat, adjusting her cap which had become misplaced 
from the violent exercise. 

Paul merely laughed. He loved and understood his 
Aunt, whose indignation spent, good feeling returned, 
and before Mr. and Mrs. Churchill entered the breakfast 
room, she was overloading his plate and bustling around 
him as devoted and fond as ever. 

“ Well, Paul,” said the easy-going father, “ what of the 
grand political meeting ? ” 

I scarcely know where to begin, or how to describe 
it,” he answered. Never was I so amused or enter- 


MRS. SINGLE TO AT. 


17 


tained. In the audience near me, sat an honest-looking, 
hard-fisted man, who, as the several speakers were ad- 
dressing the meeting, would call out from time to time 
in stentorian tones, ‘Johnson! Johnson I we want to 
hear from Mr. Johnson ! ’ This continued through sev- 
eral addresses, when finally the President of the meeting 
came forward on the platform and said, ‘ The individual 
who has been calling for Mr. Johnson will please hold 
his tongue, for it is Mr. Johnson who is now addressing 
the audience.^ He of the big lungs who had called so 
long for Johnson then arose in his seat, and pointing to 
the speaker cried out in tones indicative of the supremest 
disgust : 

“Why that’s not Johnson; that’s the little chap that 
kept pulling at me and telling me to call for Johnson ! ” 

“ I can’t see the joke,” called out Aunt Lyddy in the 
midst of the laughter, and looking puzzled beyond 
measure. 

“ What perverse stupidity, Aunty, the little chap was 
Johnson,” explained Paul, “and took this novel way of in- 
troducing himself as a speaker to the audience.” 

Mr. Churchill now followed his wife to the window and 
whispered in her ear, “ Ellie, you must see the folly of 
your anxieties over Paul. I’ll be bound he was in early 
enough last night, and is as bright as a button this morn- 
ing. Les chases s' arrangenty eh, dear?” and the good- 
natured, indifferent papa caught up his hat and hastened 
to the train. 


CHAPTER IX. 


R euben LANGDON had now been at Oakland 
nearly a month; and with the exception of the first 
week or so, had scarcely seen or exchanged a dozen 
words with Mrs. Singleton. She never made her ap- 
pearance, as formerly, at the breakfast table until after he 
had left for the school room, and he ceased to ask Katy 
“if her Aunt was ill,” as the answer had invariably been, ^ 
“No,” and concluded, consequently, to give himself no 
farther uneasiness about it, but notwithstanding, her 
avoidance annoyed him not a little. But this morning, 
after closing with the lessons, as he was passing out on 
his homeward way, she suddenly advanced from the 
library door and stood before him. 

“Mr. Langdon,” she exclaimed, “ I have been waiting 
to see you. Will you give me the pleasure of dining 
here to-day ? ” 

“ I shall be most happy.” 

“ It is a dinner given to Lord Dun Donald and Dan. 
They are on the scenes again.” 

She was standing as if in haste to depart, and Reuben 
sought some excuse to detain her — for had he not longed 
for this opportunity — and ventured to remark, “ I scarcely 
see you now in the school room.” 

78 


MJiS. SINGLETON, 79 

‘‘No/’ she replied, “I have missed my French for 
several days.” 

“ Not intentionally, I hope ?” 

“ I have not had much time to give to it lately.” 

“ You were making such progress,” he added, “ do not 
give it up.” 

“ When is the next lesson ? ” she inquired. 

“ To-morrow. May I look for you ? ” 

“Yes,” was her reply, “and I may bring a new 
scholar.” 

“Who?” 

“ Miss Travers. Do you know her ?” 

“Slightly.” 

Reuben could have stood all day looking at the soft 
light in her hazel eyes. But he had a letter of some 
consequence in his pocket, sent to him in the morning 
by Hester, bearing a black seal and post marked, London, 
and he knew that anxious faces were awaiting his return 
home. Still he lingered. 

Seeing his hesitation, Mabel said, “Mr. Langdon, I 
have a few little matters to attend to this morning ; will 
you excuse me ? ” 

“ Oh certainly,” he replied, and touched his hat as she 
passed him to an adjoining room. 

Reuben remained standing some minutes in thought. 
Suddenly perceiving the rose, Mabel had held in her 
hand, lying at his feet, he stooped down, picked it up 
and, carefully concealing it, left the house. 


8o 


M/^S. SINGLETON. 


“Whatever that letter discloses,” thought Reuben as he 
walked along, “and the black seal and motto portend 
some event in my life, for the next six weeks, at least, I 
must fulfill my engagement at Oakland. Katy and Paul 
have become very dear to me, and — but what right have 
I even to indulge in the dream ? Perhaps” — and he felt 
a sudden glow thrill through his veins — “ the right of 
wealth ! which as the poor tutor 1 could not offer. Was 
it fancy ? It was. Sober reason whispered, ^ No word 
or look has she ever given you to build your fondest 
hopes upon. Indulge in no false idle dream ; be true to 
yourself; do not give your heart where such gift is not 
desired, perhaps despised ! ’ ” 

Two faces at the window now recalled him from his 
reverie. To keep them no longer in suspense, Reuben 
hastily entered, broke the seal, and read as follows : 

“To Mr. Reuben Langdon, Esq: 

Dear Sir, — I write to inform you that your Uncle, Mr. 
Clive Langdon, died on the fifteenth ultimo. He had 
been ill for some days, but no anxiety had been enter- 
tained as to an unfavorable result, until the last twelve 
hours. His lawyer opened the will and desired me to 
advise you, that you are left his sole heir, and legatee of 
his large fortune of one hundred thousand pounds. You 
can enter into immediate possession. Your fortune is 
vested in the English funds. Chalmers has the will and 
the necessary documents. Until further informed, I re- 
main, Respectfully yours, etc. 


MJ?S. SINGLETON. 


8l 


Can it be possible ! ” exclaimed Reuben, I rich ! I, 
wfto have so often imagined it; pictured it! ” 

Silence fell for a minute which was interrupted by Doc- 
tor Langdon, who cried out, “ Yes, Reuben, my boy, you 
are a rich man now I ” 

"‘What shall we do?” exclaimed Hester, excitedly. 
I once thought the news of a fortune would make me 
scream right out with gladness, but I find it has taken all 
my breath away.” 

It will come back quickly enough, Hetty, when I set- 
tle something handsome on you and father,” returned 
Reuben,” “ It has always been a hard trial to me to have 
either of you want for anything.” 

I knew it, Reuben,” answered Hester, thoughtfully, 
and then exclaimed with sudden animation, “ But let me 
see that letter once more ; I cannot realize I have such a 
rich brother ! ” 

There it is ; one hundred thousand pounds, in black 
and white I ” 

Why Reuben, that is five hundred thousand dollars 
of our money.” 

To be sure it is,” and Reuben felt himself somewhat 
dazed by it. 

Why, what is the matter with father 1 ” cried out 
Hester, running over to him and pulling the handkerchief 
from his face. Look, Reuben ; he is actually weeping I ” 
‘"No, I’m not; I’m all right,” said Doctor Langdon, 
trying to look cheerful through his tears. 


82 


MJ?S, SINGLETON. 


He’s not strong, and perhaps,” added Reuben, “ feels 
his brother’s death, which none of us have thought of 
yet ! ” 

Not a bit of it,” returned Hester decidedly. “ Noth- 
ing but this large fortune has melted him to tears ! ” 

“ Give him a little air ; it is so close in here,” continu- 
ed Reuben and gently led him to the door.” 

“ I was thinking, Reuben,” and he took out his silk 
pocket handkerchief and wiped his eyes, — 

“ I know, father, of mother. But I fully believe she is 
permitted at times to witness our sorrows and joys and 
is with us now.” 

I was thinking of her, Reuben ; but, also, of the 
cares and responsibilities this wealth will bring you ! ” 

“ I can manage all that, and will try to be a good stew- 
ard. Think of relieving the misery of others ! ” 

Oh aye ! ” he exclaimed. 

‘^Divert his thoughts,” whispered Hester. 

Listen, father, to our plans ; shall we tear this old 
house down, and build up a new one with piazzas, par- 
quet floors, and hard wood finish ? ” 

^‘Oh don’t, Reuben,” cried his father, old memories 
and associations clinging to his little home. 

That will do now,” said Hester. “ Father is not 
very strong, and I think has had enough for one day.” 

Hester,” inquired Reuben, after his, father had be- 
come composed, “it is not necessary that we should 
‘ assume the trappings and suits of woe,’ is it ?” 


MRS. SINGLETON. 83 

‘‘No, I never saw my uncle but once, and then he 
scarcely noticed me/’ 

“ Oh, don’t wear mourning with that dyed crape stuff,” 
interposed Doctor Langdon. “ The very smell is destruc- 
tive to health.” 

“ That settles it,” said Reuben, looking at Hester with 
a smile, and continued, “ our good luck will travel fast 
enough without speaking of it, Hetty, though that quick 
fellow Paul may suspect something, for he saw me take 
the letter this morning, with a look of surprise at the 
black seal.” 

“ It will be such fun to hear the remarks and innuen- 
does of our neighbors, as evidences of wealth crop out,” 
said Hester, and then added, “ but seriously, Reuben, 
we have not taken his death to heart very much.” 

“ No,” answered her brother, ” we have received the 
news of our uncle’s death as all such deaths are received 
where affection and love is never given or sought. That 
he had generous and noble feelings, has been proved ; 
for what has he not done for me ? But the heart wants 
more, Hester — love and sympathy — and who can live 
without them ? Now I will tell you and father, as death 
cancels all secrets,” he went on, “ why I returned home 
so unexpectedly this spring. 

“ Our uncle became engaged to Miss Chadwick, an 
old youthful flame, I believe. He wished nothing said 
about it until after his marriage, and I promised to com- 


84 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


ply with his request. I fancied after awhile my presence 
became a restraint to him. I have no doubt I constantly 
reminded him of the hopes and promises his folly had 
dashed. At all events, it became disagreeable for me to 
remain, and as you well know, one bright morning in 
April I set sail for America ! ” 

‘ It is as clear now as an open book, and oh, how I 
have troubled my poor brain over it,” replied Hester. 

“ Don’t you remember, Hetty, I told you once it 
would be all satisfactorily explained ?” 

‘‘ But what strikes me as more singular still,” remarked 
Hester, Miss Chedwick’s name was not mentioned in 
the will ! ” 

‘‘ I have no doubt it was his intention to leave her 
everything, but death interfered in our behalf.” 

“ Father,” continued Reuben, reflecting a moment, 
would it not be fair to settle two thousand pounds 
upon poor Miss Chadwick ?” 

Better not show too much haste,” replied his father. 

“ This sudden accession of wealth is a little too novel 
for the old gentleman to part with any of it yet,” thought 
Reuben, and then added aloud, Have we not talked it 
up sufflciently, Hester ?” looking round for his hat. “ A 
walk is absolutely necessary to me after all this excite- 
ment ! ” 

First, let me have your penknife for a few moments, 
Reuben; I can’t tell where I’ve laid mine,” said his father. 


MRS. SINGLETON. 8 5 

In drawing it from his pocket, a white rose fell to the 
floor. 

What a beautiful rose,” exclaimed Hester. “ If we 
can turn our thoughts a little from the shock they have 
received, let me ask, do you carry them about with you 
in this manner, Reuben ?” 

Not always,” he replied, slightly confused. 

Let me see what class it belongs to,” said his father, 
holding out his hand. 

It is a little too much faded for that purpose,” re- 
replied Reuben; I will bring you a fresh one in the 
morning,” and annoyed at the discovery, he boldly 
placed it in his botton-hole and left. 

Just here the door moved ajar, and a sweet little baby 
face peeped through. 

** There’s my darling Jimmy!” cried Hester. Oh, 
you dear child ! ” and she caught him up and devoured 
him with kisses. You don’t know that we are all rich 
now, and you, darling, shall have loads of toys and 
presents I ” 

Is it Christmas ?” inquired Jimmy, releasing himself 
from her arms. 


CHAPTER X. 


H OW delighted I am to see you, Belle ! ” said Mabel 
Singleton to her friend Miss Travers, as she drove 
up to the door, banjo and baggage on hand, for Belle’s 
accomplishments in the musical line were various. ** I 
have been looking at my watch for the last half hour, 
impatient for this moment.’^ 

“ What a lovely reception ! ” replied Belle, as she fol- 
lowed Mabel into the hall. 

“ Will you come at once and lunch, or go directly to 
your room ?” 

Oh, to my room first. I have had a long dusty 
drive, and I hear Mr. Langdon is staying with you. 
Nothing like first impressions, you know.’^ 

“ Have you never met him ?” 

** Years ago, when he was quite young, but not since 
his return from Europe. I admire him immensely!” 
Then, turning around and looking for her hand-bag as 
they reached her room, she unclasped the lock and drew 
from it a small comb, and began retouching and patting 
her puffs. “ I see you wear your hair d Vanglaise^ Ma- 
bel,” retreating to and from the glass to see the effect, 
‘‘ but it is not my style. ” 

Then, taking out a soft mull handkerchief, trimmed 

86 


» 


MRS. SINGLETON. 8 / 

with Bretonne lace, she folded it carefully over her buxom 
shoulders. 

Belle,” exclaimed Mabel, impatiently, “ Mr. Lang- 
don is not in the house ; he seldom lunches or dines 
here, and if you do not hurry, it is scarcely worth while 
taking any. It is already after two.” 

Katy and Robby had nearly finished when they en- 
tered the dining-room. 

Why, there’s Katy Singleton ! come ! ” and she open- 
ed her arms for Katy to rush in, who, hesitating and em- 
barrassed, could but submit to her impetuous embrace. 
She then turned to Robbie, but little success in that quar- 
ter. He kicked and screamed and cried out, I won’t be 
kissed,” and Mabel seeing his knife and fork held mena- 
cingly up, flew around to extricate them from his hands ! 
She was in momentary terror, lest they might be hurled 
at Belle’s head, who, to escape, had flown to the other end 
of the dining-room ! 

Is he always so ? ” she asked, when a little quiet had 
been restored. 

Oh no,” replied Mabel, laughing, he merely requires 
a formal introduction.” 

Katy now took him in her arms, and with his thumb 
in his mouth, he gazed aggrievedly and steadily at Belle, 
until she had finished her lunch. 

How about Arthur Cummings, Belle?” enquired 
Mabel. 


88 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


“I do not admire him altogether, and just now Tm in 
something of a dilemma.” 

‘^What’s that?” 

The other day he sent me two beautifully bound vol- 
umes of Tennyson ; would you acknowledge them ? ” 

“ I should never hurt anyones feelings if I could help 
it,” answered Mabel. 

It might lead him on.” 

Not the ordinary civilities of life ; and I should think 
Arthur Cummings too much of a gentleman, and too well 
bred, to take politeness for encouragement, and the latter, 
Belle, your own conscience must regulate. 

Belle looked perplexed and shook her head doubtfully, 
the long gold ear-rings swaying in unison. 

We must away to the painting of the dinner cards,” 
cried Mabel, I was in the midst of them when you ar- 
rived. There are but six more to finish.” 

What is the number of your guests.” 

*^Ten; one cannot conveniently manage more at a 
dinner. Hester Stedman has declined.” 

What’s getting into these Langdons; they are refusing 
right and left.” 

‘‘ I have replaced her by Louisa Bronson. Belle, I will 
let you finish Lord Dun Donald’s card.” 

“ Very well, and as I hear he is a little imperious I will 
write under it, ^Kind hearts are more than coronets.’” 

“ And I will paint a tea rose on Dan’s,” said Mabel ; 


M/^S. SINGLETON, 


89 


“ he tells me it is his favorite flower. The last one I will 
give you, Reuben Langdon ! for I know you are dying 
to have him ! ” 

“ Mabel, is that a double entendre’s ^Comme tu veux ? ’ ” 

Do you think him handsome ? ” Belle continued. 

Distingue and aristocratic looking, undoubtedly,” 
replied Mabel. And his nose is perfect, no sculptor’s 
chisel could cut a more beautiful one ; then I like that fair 
complexion ; it harmonizes so well with his light hair and 
blonde moustache.” 

It’s immense,” rejoined Belle. Belle was not very far 
off from thirty, and she was determined this year should 
bring about the happy event in her life, and she made up 
her mind that Reuben Langdon should be the man. 

It would be an excellent thing for him,” thought 
Belle. He is poor, and my money would come in 
splendidly.” 

‘‘ I’m a little afraid of Mabel Singleton ; men go on 
so foolishly over her ; and yet think, with my dashing 
style and music, too, who could hesitate a moment ! ” 

I think our Englishmen would not be highly flat- 
tered, if they knew how much thought and conversation 
has been given to Reuben Langdon,” remarked Mabel. 

‘‘ Oh but,” returned Belle, “ they are entirely beyond 
our reach.” 

I don’t know that,” said Mabel, laughingly. 

Lord Dun Donald I hear ^ est proinis\ as the French 


90 


MRS. SINGLETON-. 


say, and Dan I don’t think worth trying for, Mabel.” 
And then she added, (and this time without ths slightest 
shadow of truth,) “ there has been a report that Reuben 
Langdon is engaged. But you see I do not put the 
slightest faith in it.” 

To whom ? ” said Mabel, and she leaned over her 
palette a little more closely to darken her color. 

''An English girl.” 

More than probable,” rejoined Mabel. He has 
lived there for many years, you know.” 

“ His sister contradicts it stoutly,” returned Belle. 
** She says that he has never even alluded to it.” 

“That would be no evidence of its falsity,” replied 
Mabel. 

There was silence for a few moments. Belle musing 
over the effect of her fib, and Mabel of this last piece of 
intelligence. 

“ Well,” thought Mable, “ she has disposed of two 
already — Lord Dun Donald and Mr. Langdon, — who will 
come next ? Yet I am inclined to believe in this last 
assertion ; heigh ho ! ” 

“Now I will wind up by painting a card for Katy,” 
exclaimed Mabel. 

“You think a good deal of that little girl.” 

“Yes, I misunderstood her at first; thought the little 
thing lacked heart. But Paul said to me one day, 

‘ Cousin Mabel, I am sure you don’t know what a dear 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


91 


little girl you have in your house ! Her heart is almost 
broken though, yearning for her mother’s love and care. 
Thrown in among us, strangers as it were, and not one 
relative by blood ! ’ 

My heart smote me at once. Belle, and I said, ‘ Oh ! 
how thoughtless I’ve been. Where is she ? ’ and I went 
directly in search of her, and found her in her room 
standing by the window. ^ Katy darling,’ I said, ^ can 
Aunt Mabel do anything for you ? ’ 

She looked up, and I saw she had been crying. 

* My own dear little girl ; come here. I know you 
miss your mamma,’ and I took her in my arms Belle, 
for she is a small, little thing, and pressed her head with 
its golden hair close to my cheek, and we both wept to- 
gether. 

* Aunt Mabel, is it hard to love me ? ’ she asked. 

‘ No, dear,’ I answered, ‘ think how Robbie loves 
you. I believed you so happy. I did not know you 
wanted Aunt Mabel’s love ! ’ I felt wretchedly. I 
thought if God should take me, and my Robbie left 
among strangers. And then I thought of dear Paul, 
what a loving sympathetic heart he had ; how consider- 
ate and kind he had ever been to her, and I felt sorely 
reproved.” 

Poor child,” exclaimed Belle, sympathisingly. 

“ * I am so lonely at night,’ she went on to say. 

* Are you, darling,’ I answered. ‘ I shall have a 


92 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


little cot put up in Elsi’s room, and you shall sleep there. 
Would you like that ? ’ 

“ To think, Belle, night after night in her room alone ! 
No fond mother to bend over her and murmur soft words 
of love, and a blessing ! A lonely orphan on whom no 
lingering kiss fell ! She is growing so lovely, too. I 
was looking at her yesterday evening, as she sat writing 
her French exercises. There was such a sweet light in 
her eyes, as she looked up. I hardly know how to ex- 
press it, and her complexion so transparent. I began to 
tremble lest she might not be long for this earth ! ” 

Oh that is common with children,” rejoined Belle, 
“ I know plenty of them with just such complexions. 
Look at my own ! Don’t worry yourself into any use- 
less frights and fears. And do you know it is just three- 
quarters of an hour to your grand dinner ? ” 

Is it possible ! ” exclaimed Mabel. 

And they caught up the cards and rushed to the din- 
ing room, and hurriedly placed them around the table. 

Engaged! ” mused Mabel as she walked slowly along 
the hall to her room. “ How strange I never thought of 
it before ! ” 

##«*#*# 

Mr. and Mrs. Churchill stood waiting upon the piazza 
to drive Lord Dun Donald and Dan in their open car- 
riage to Mrs. Singleton’s dinner. 

Mr. Churchill had enough of the Englishman in him. 


MRS. SINGLE TOM. 93 

to pride himself on his fine horses, and handled the rib- 
bons with a good deal of ease and skill. 

Lord Dun Donald sat on the front seat with him, and 
Dan and Mrs. Churchill behind. The young English- 
men were in fine spirits. They had been feted and 
lionized in her Majesty’s Dominion to their heart’s con- 
tent, and had had altogether quite ‘‘ a lark,” as they 
termed it. 

Dan’s spirits rose high at the thought of again meet- 
ing Mrs. Singeleton. And much attention had been 
bestowed in selecting the color of his silk socks, and ar- 
ranging the tie of his white cravat. He had kept them 
waiting some minutes, until he had found the choicest 
tea rose in the green house, which was carefully placed 
in his button hole, and later in the evening was seen in 
Mabel Singleton’s belt. 

There had been a heavy shower which had settled the 
dust, and brought out the sweet fragrance of the new 
mown hay, as they drove along. 

Mr. Churchill with pride, swept past some of the 
beautiful private residences, and roused their English 
apathy, for Dan exclaimed, “ ’Pon my word, quite 
pretty, quite fair!” or, “Fancy, Oswald, living there! 
As they would pass some farmer's modest home by the 
wayside 


CHAPTER XL 


J^EUBEN LANGDON entered Mrs. Singleton’s draw- 
ing room, punctually at seven, with no small 
amount of happiness, and an ease and composure he had 
often put on but rarely so truly and heartily felt as now. 
Mrs. Singleton might call it “English assurance,” but with 
an income of twenty to thirty thousand dollars, what had 
he to do with diffidence and embarrassment, provided 
he was upright and true. After bowing to Mrs. Single- 
ton and the ladies. Lord Dun Donald advanced with 
his hands out exclaiming : 

“Ah ! Langdon, my dear boy, I am too glad to see 
you.” 


“Oh I say,” cried Dan coming forward, “old fellow, 
how are you ? ” 

Reuben returned their greeting most cordially, and 
then perceiving the servant at the door announcing din- 
ner, and a move being made in that direction, he offered 
his arm to the little blonde, Miss Bronson, who stood 
near him, and found himself seated at the table between 
Miss Travers and herself. 

A large, lighted chandelier shed a soft light over the 
the magnificent silver and china that adorned the table. 


94 


MJ?S. SINGLETON. 95 

Before the guests had read their names and taken their 
seats, Miss Travers exclaimed: 

Mr. Langdon, I am impatient to know what you 
think of the painting on your cards.” 

“I cannot but admire it,” answered Reuben taking it 
up and closely examining it. '‘It is artistically executed.” 

She was interrupted from proceeding further by Dan, 
who, having taken her in, felt, no doubt, it was his ex- 
clusive privilege to enlist her attention. 

The entire company now became animated and con- 
versational, and the rooms echoed with the sounds of 
merriment and laughter. Reuben Langdon often looked 
at Mabel Singleton. Her dress was soft and white, he 
had always^ observed she rejected gay colors, and did 
ample justice to her faultless figure. He compared her 
to her guests. What was Belle Travers’ dashing and 
brilliant style to that quite composed demeanor and love- 
ly face ? He had always judged of character by the 
voice, and hers was low and sweet. But her indifferent 
acception of his attentions was the least attraction of all. 

"Churchill,” called out Lord Dun Donald, " can you 
tell me the name of that building, college or something 
in New York; the corner, I think of Forty-ninth street 
and Madison ?” 

"Columbia College,” suggested Mr. Langdon. 

"Perhaps Dun Donald,” cried out Churchill, "I could 
assist your memory in the future by recalling to your 


96 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


mind a boat race that took place between your boys of 
Oxford and ours of this very college. If you remember, 
the Columbian boys came off victorious.” 

Oh I say,” he cried, “that’s hard on us now,” and 
again remarked, “Langdon, is there much drinking in 
America?” 

“Yes, quite a good deal, I think, but not as heavy as 
in England.’* 

“ Is it inherited, think you ? ” 

“Decidedly not.” What inheritance is that, if you 
never see it, you never want it ! Other maladies break 
out with the greatest ease and precaution, but you are 
in fine health and strength until urged to taste the first 
glass.” 

“ ’Pon my word, Langdon, I had not thought of that,” 
remarked Dan, “but fancy, you are quite right.” 

Mr. Langdon spoke with warmth, and quite as much 
in answer to Mrs. Singleton’s earnest look of inquiry as 
to Lord Dun Donald’s question. “You rarely see the 
daughters of an inebriate drink.” 

“ Why is that, may I ask ?” said his lordship. 

“ Their temptations are less, and that cruel custom of 
treating and being treated is not permissible with them.” 

“I declare, Langdon,” called out Dan, “you’ll have 
proved it before I’ve finished my ice.” 

“ Proved what ?” inquired inattentive Miss Travers. 

“That drinking is not hereditary,’* replied Dan. 


MRS. SINGLETON-. 


97 


“ How droll !” she replied, readjusting her bangles, 
and seemingly unconscious of the information when 
given. 

Reuben had observed more than once her distracted 
manner during the dinner, and imagined she was more 
brilliant at the piano or in her Terpsichorean revels. 
With the little blonde on his left he was more fortunate, 
though often responded to by short giggles and exclama- 
tions of, “ Oh, Mr. Langdon, you do sing, now ; I’ve 
heard you. You are joking ; really you are.” 

The ladies now arose and adjourned to the drawing- 
room, and it was not long before the gentlemen were 
summoned by hearing a most beautiful “voluntary,” 
made up of. reminiscences of the chef d' oeuvres of the 
greatest masters. 

It was Miss Travers. Seated in stately dignity at the 
piano, with her showy dress falling in graceful folds 
around her, she was dashing on, perfectly at home, from 
one grand burst of harmony into the softest and tender- 
est melody. 

“ Isn’t it splendid !” said little Miss Bronson. 

It was admiration Belle sought, and she now deserv- 
edly received it in full measure. 

Lord Dun Donald and Dan closed around the piano, 
calling for piece after piece, Dan exclaiming, “ ’Pon my 
word ! By Jove, where’s her competitor !” 

At last she concluded with some brilliant aria, and 


98 


M/^S. SINGLETON. 


rose from her seat thoroughly satisfied. But they would 
not listen to it, and called loudly for a song. 

Miss Travers laughed and hesitated, and finally com- 
menced a lively accompaniment to a little spirited 
English song, “ Oh, when it is too late, thou wilt regret 
me.” 

Coffee was now brought in, and the music was aban- 
doned to hold friendly little conversations with each 
other. 

Some wandered up and down the rooms, bent over 
the tables and examined books and flowers. The gen- 
tlemen, with one exception, withdrew to talk politics. 
Dan, with coffee cup in hand, took the vacant seat by 
Mrs. Singleton. 

‘‘ What,” he exclaimed, cream and sugar !” as he 
placed them in her delicate Sevres cup. “ Fancy now, 
how odd !” 

Yes,” she replied, “ only club men and dyspeptics go 
without. 

‘^Oh, Mrs. Singleton, you are chaffing.” 

“ I assure you, I am perfectly honest in my opinion.” 

“ This day week,” he continued, with a slight trembling 
in his voice, “ we will be in mid Atlantic.” 

And I hope,” she replied, looking calmly at him, 
you will carry home with you pleasant memories of our 
country and people.” 

I shall carry back but one memory, but one thought,” 


MJ?S. SINGLETON. 


99 


he rejoined, gazing tenderly into her face, and coloring 
up to the roots of his almost flaxen hair. 

Oh,” thought Mabel, what will he say next ! Will 
no one come to my rescue ?” 

In his excitement he appeared almost kneeling, for he 
had slipped partly from his seat, and Mabel caught sight 
of a pump and silk stocking thrust far beyond her chair. 

‘‘ Can you, will you,” he excitedly faltered out, give 
me hope and love ?” 

“I cannot; indeed, I cannot,” firmly but kindly 
responded Mabel, and with that sad tenderness a true 
woman always feels for the man that has loved her in 
vain. 

Here George Churchill opportunely came up and 
whispered something in Mabel’s ear, putting an end to 
the painful interview. Dan dejectedly rose and walked 
off. 

Don’t give yourself any further uneasiness, George,” 
replied Mabel to his whisper. He is engaged, and Paul 
saw him receive a foreign letter to-day in a lady’s hand- 
handwriting,’^ 

Then she is dead,” he exclaimed, for the seal was 
black, and, begad ! it must be an immense relief, for I 
never saw him look happier than he does to-night !” 

‘‘ How unkind and unfeeling you are, George ! But, 
at all events,” thought Mabel, ** the report has given me 
less restraint, and I am more at my ease in his society.” 


lOO 


MRS, SINGLE TOM. 


“ Mabel,’’ said Miss Travers, walking in the direction 
where Mrs. Singleton was standing, and also turning and 
addressing Mr. Langdon, we are talking of a moonlight 
ride on horseback ; won’t it be jolly ? Will you and Mr. 
Langdon join us ?” 

Delightful !” exclaimed Reuben, ^^and the moon, I 
think, has completed her second quarter, and if we have 
a fair evening and a cloudless sky, it will be as light as 
day, and far more beautiful.” 

“ And, Mr. Langdon,” said Mabel, “ Guy is an excel- 
lent saddle horse, and, if you like, you are perfectly wel- 
come to him.” 

‘‘ Thank you,” replied Reuben, ‘‘ you are very kind, 
but I prefer riding my own.” 

There’s a bomb shell !” thought Langdon. “ How it 
escaped my lips I cannot tell, and would give a five 
pound note to recall it.” 

Reuben had that very morning, on returning from his 
father’s house completed the negotiations for purchasing 
a bay mare belonging to a friend and which he had for 
some time desired. The price had been the only obstacle 
in the way ; this being now removed, he became the 
owner of “ Melody” renowned for her beauty and speed. 

Lord Dun Donald’s eyes had wandered uneasily from 
time to time in the direction where Mrs. Singleton and 
Dan had been sitting in earnest conversation. Half sus- 
pecting Dan’s intentions, and fully aware of his suscep- 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


lOI 


tible disposition, he feared some fiasco of a tender nature 
might be the result. 

‘‘ These Americans talk of the phlegmatic character of 
the Englishman thought his lordship ; if it is so, I wish to 
heavens Dan possessed it to-night, for in matters of the 
heart I am sure no American can rival him. Had he the 
slightest chance, I should be too happy to aid him, and 
too proud to call Mrs. Singleton my sister, for she is not 
only beautiful, but what we Englishmen would .call 'a 
womanly woman’ — one I could love myself, were it 
not” — and here his lordship sighed. 

Miss Travers, now drawing near, threw herself in a soft 
cushioned chair and interrupted his thoughts by exclaim- 
ing, ^‘Lord Dun Donald do you see any music in that 
light-headed' blonde over there ? ” 

No,” answered his lordship. I have never seen it, 
or heard it, in any one but yourself” 

Belle tittered, flapping her fan backward and forward, 
and strove to look unconscious. I was going to add, 
if so, we might have a waltz ; I am dying for one.” 

I say, isn’t it too warm for such violent exercise ? ” 
his lordship inquired. 

What, with this lovely breeze from that open window 
stirring the fringe of my dress as I sit here ? dear no ! 
And I shall start them at once.” 

Away she flew to the piano, sat down and commenced 
a rolicksome waltz, compressing her under lip, and keep- 


102 


MRS, SINGLE TOM, 


ing her eyes fastened steadily and fixedly on the chande- 
lier suspended over her head. 

Mrs. Singleton perceiving with her usual forethought 
that Miss Travers was the only musician present, sent for 
Katy whom she said, played waltzes very sweetly.’' 

Reuben was glad to see his little pet enter, and heard 
Mrs. Singleton, as she met her at the door, stoop down 
and ask if Robbie was all right ? ” 

Sleeping sweetly,” was the answer. Then Katy 
walked timidly over to the piano and sat down. Her 
blue silk stockings contrasted well with the dress she 
Wore, and a neat little foot bien chatisse” just reaching 
the pedal. She played as sweetly, and in as perfect time, 
as many a more experienced hand. 

Miss Travers stood near, counting the measure and 
beating time with her foot. 

Reuben feared her correct ear might intimidate Katy, 
but not so ; she ran her. slim little fingers over the keys 
as composedly as Miss Travers herself could have done. 

He was congratulating himself Mrs. Singleton did not 
waltz. But looking up after placing some books under 
Katy, she gracefully and quietly glided by as Lord Dun 
Donald’s partner. He was surprised not to see Dan in 
the field, but was told by Churchill he was pacing the 
grounds. 

Reuben Langdon had been fretted and annoyed in 
watching his attentions to Mabel Singleton, and had also 


MRS, SINGLETON, 


103 


worked himself into the belief that she received them 
quite kindly. He felt relieved, however, that it was not 
Lord Dun Donald, who would have proved a more 
dangerous rival. His new accessions were almost 
forgotten in this late vexation, and he found himself 
experiencing some very uncomfortable and painful sen- 
sations. 

Mrs. Singleton now paused in the waltz, and as she 
drew near him, exclaimed, “ Are you admiring that 
basket of roses, Mr. Langdon ? 

Yes,” he replied, roses in August are like hidden 
treasures.” 

Not always ; I have them blooming for me until late 
in October.” 

“ Is. that one in your belt ?” 

Mabel slightly colored, and drawing it from her girdle, 
she threw it into an empty Faience dish at her side. 

This gave Langdon fresh hope and heart, and his 
spirits rose accordingly. 

I hear you sing,” she said, and am here to request 
a song.” 

I do sing, Mrs. Singleton, a little ; chiefly ballads ; 
but will you excuse me to-night ? ” 

Her eyes met his as she spoke, but she quickly averted 
her head, replying, “ I did not think you would disap- 
point me. How can he,” she reflected moving off, ^‘love 
another woman and look at me as he does ? Did I be- 


104 


MJ^S. SINGLETON. 


lieve him a flirt, I should despise him. However, I shall 
wait for stronger proof than Belle Travers’ report.” 

“ I am going to give you all a surprise,” called out 
Mrs. Singleton, as she quickly glided from the room, re- 
turning with Miss Travers’ banjo in hand. “ Now,” she 
cried out, “ we must wind up with ^ The old man isn’t 
what he used to was and you Belle must act the old 
man ! ” 

“ Oh yes,” they all exclaimed. Lord Dun Donald’s 
voice reiterating the request. 

“ Where is poor Dan ?” thought Mabel as she sorrow- 
fully looked around. 

Miss Travers at first decidedly declined, and yet put 
out her jewelled hand. Langdon placed the banjo in it. 

Shall I ?” she said, looking archly up in his face. 

‘‘Undoubtedly,” he answered, “nothing do I enjoy 
more, and I am sure the entire company will like African 
melodies. 

“ Look,” said Churchill in a whisper to his wife, 
“ Belle’s playing the kitten now.” 

“ It’s her natural manner, George. She had it from 
childhood.” 

“ Is snubbing her brother natural, too ?” 

“You are uncharitable to-night,” she answered re- 
proachfully. 

Miss Travers gracefully seated herself, placed the 
banjo firmly in her lap, and with her thumb ran the 


M/?S. SINGLETON. 


105 


strings down, and sounded the chords with a twang 
that startled little Miss Bronson from her seat and 
her bang from her forehead. A good-sized slippered 
foot appeared from underneath her dress, beating time 
to the air she played. Her execution and powers of 
mimicry were astonishing; and, when she concluded, 
the guests clapped and encored. But she threw the in- 
strument down, and positively refused to take it up 
again. This was not surprising, for had not her musical 
powers been sufficiently tested for one night. 

The old clock in the hall sounded out midnight, re- 
minding the guests of the lateness of the hour, and they 
at once sought their scarfs and hats. 

The Englishmen were to take their departure for the 
old country in the morning, and they said their farewells 
— Dan opportunely appearing — with evident sorrow and 
reluctance. 

“ I say, Dan,” said his lordship, when they found 
themselves alone in their room preparing to retire, ” did 
you make an ass of yourself to-night ? ” 

‘‘I did,” replied Dan. Bon mat'* 


CHAPTER XII. 


“M OTHER, are we rich or poor now?’’ inquired 
Paul, as they passed down from the piazza across 
the lawn to the adjoining wood. Mrs. Churchill did not 
wonder at the question. Her husband being a specu- 
lator in mining stocks, they lived entirely on the chances 
and fluctuations of the stock exchange; at times in afflu- 
ence and even extravagance ; and then again with the 
strictest care and economy. 

Constantly handling large sums of money, and as often 
losing as making fortunes, Mr. Churchill gave but very 
little thought or care to their reverse periods ; looking 
upon them as of short duration, and generally he was 
almost immediately filled in with larger sums than ever. 

Not so with Paul, who, unlike his father, knew the 
value of dollars and cents, and though generous to a 
fault, could not look with patience on such a shiftless 
mode of living. 

Mother,” he would often say, “ why don’t you, when 
there is a rise in the market, get the money from father, 
and snug it away against a rainy day ? ” 

Paul now saw they were suffering under some sort of 
depression, which gave rise to the above remark. 

io6 


MRS. SINGLETON. lO/ 

“ Your father has lost heavily within the last week, 
but is as hopeful and buoyant as ever.” 

It is the meanest way of making money. I call it 
right down gambling. I know you’ll not listen to it, 
mother, and say it is legal and all that, but you do not 
like it. I have often seen a pained expression on your 
face when father has excitedly boasted of some great 
gains. I have often begged him to give it up, too.” 

“ What did he say, dear ? ” 

“ Soon, very soon. But just now I’m salting down, so 
that you and your mother can live in comfort and ease 
all your days.” 

Salting down,” thought Mrs. Churchill, “ when only 
last night he knew not where to borrow to commence 
operations again.” 

Now that party ! What a useless piece of extrav- 
agance.” 

“ It was,” answered his mother. 

Entirely unnecessary,” he continued. “ Was it not 
enough to have entertained Lord Dun Donald and his 
brother hospitably and handsomely, in your own house, 
without such a display and waste as that ? Why, it 
must have cost one thousand dollars, at least. I know 
it did, for I took particular pains to inquire.” 

I had proof of that,” thought his mother. 

It is such a pitiable way of living, too,” he went on; 
one day twenty dollars in your pocket, and for months 
not a red.” 


io8 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


“ You have no money now, Paul ? ” 

“ Not a cent, but don’t you worry, dear mother.’^ 

This avowal distressed Mrs. Churchill beyond any- 
thing. She had no means of her own, and often suffered, 
as Paul now did. To be without it, she knew no greater 
deprivation. 

“You should certainly have an allowance,” she added. 
“ If possible, I think so, mother. The other day I 
wanted to buy Katy some painted flowers and was mor- 
tified not to have a dollar to do it with — every one think- 
ing us rich too ! ” 

Mrs. Churchill walked on in silence and reflected. 
“ Aunt Lyddy has but a few hundreds a year. Most 
certainly nothing should be expected from that quarter, 
dearly as she loves Paul. What I want is something 
permanent to depend upon.” At length arriving at 
some conclusion — perhaps to part with some of her dia- 
monds — for her face brightened and she looked up and 
exclaimed, “ Would six dollars a week answer, Paul ? ” 
He thought she had struck rather high, but replied, 
“ First rate.” Then his natural prudence and caution 
gaining the ascendency, he added, “ Better make it five, 
mother ; that is over two hundred a year, and when I 
go to college you can raise it as much as you like.” 

“ You have everything else you want, in other ways I 
mean, Paul. That beautiful horse now that your father 
bought you.” 


MRS. SINGLETON. IO9 

Yes, mother, but with father’s propensity for specu- 
lating, he may part with him any moment.” 

“ Oh Paul, what an unkind thought. Not what is 
yours, and a gift too ! ” 

“ I’m not so sure of that,” he replied, shaking his head 
doubtfully. 

“ I hope Aunt Lyddy will hold fast to hers,” remarked 
Mrs. Churchill with a sigh. 

“ We may all yet have to live upon her,” rejoined 
Paul. 

“You are too young, dear, to take such dark views of 
life.” Then she strove to cheer him a little, for she felt 
their unequal manner of living was depressing and even 
mortifying to one of his sensitive refined nature. 

“ Remember the gun, Paul. This time I want you to 
have the best that’s made.” 

“ Good ! ” exclaimed Paul. 

Glad to see him smile, she went on. “ You spoke of 
one in particulnr; do you remember where ? ” 

“Oh yes, I know jusb where to go; Pat Mullers in 
Maiden Lane. He is one of the best makers in New 
York.” 

“ Then I will hand you the check Christmas w^eek, 
and I know it will be a pleasant errand to New York.” 

“ Mother, you are always doing something for me,” 
and Paul’s eyes filled with tears. 

“ How can I help it,” thought Mrs. Churchill. “Mr. 


no 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


Langdon tells me he is one of the most generous, loving 
fellows he ever met with ; and then, what would our 
home be without him ? ” 

Mother, Mr. Langdon often talks to me of the bad 
habit of drinking.” 

This remark was the result of a kind heart and to allay 
any unnecessary solicitude his mother might have once 
felt on his account. She knew it and blessed him for 

it. 

I don’t like that Belle Travers,” he went on to say. 
“The other day she told cousin Mabel she thought Mr. 
Langdon had kept up the farce of teaching long enough. 
I asked her what she meant by a farce ? being faithful 
and true to his engagement ? ” 

“ M was not addressing you,’ she replied. Now I 
call that impudent; don’t you mother ?” 

“ Belle is quick,” rejoined Mrs. Churchill. “ It would 
have been better, however, if you had allowed your 
cousin Mabel to have answered.” 

“ Oh the airs she puts on with Mr. Langdon ! I know 
she is dead in love with him ; and more than ever since 
his wealth. But I know someting ! ” 

“What Paul?” 

“Never mind; it is not Miss Travers, though ! Yester- 
day afternoon in the French class he was bending over 
cousin Mabel, correcting her dictee ; and mother, I knew 
well enough he was pleased to remain there. When 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


Ill 


Miss Travers cried out, ‘ Come over here ! come over 
here ! You have not looked at mine yet ! ’ ” 

What then, Paul ? ” 

Oh, he had to leave of course.” 

“ Paul had we not better think of returning ? These 
September evenings become quite chilly as it grows 
late.” 

Stay a little while longer. I love to look up into 
this cloudless sky and watch the stars come out through 
the deep blue. Do you see that lone one, mother, look- 
ing down so kindly upon us ? How far, far away it 
seems.” 

‘‘ I always feel nearer to God, gazing into His beauti- 
ful Home, studded with jewels,” replied his mother. 
“ I then feel what power and strength is there, to save 
what He has made.” 

Oh, what would I not give to know He sees and 
hears us now,” cried Paul, fervently. 

“ As if He who made the eye could not see ; the ear, 
and could not hear ! ” replied his mother. 

# # * # # # ♦ 

“ Have you heard the last ? ” exclaimed Belle as she 
flew excitedly into Mabel’s room, unbuttoning her gloves 
and throwing them down on the table. “ Reuben Lang- 
don has been left a fortune of a hundred thousand 
pounds ! And the evening of your dinner party he had 
the consciousness of enjoying the intelligence all to him- 


II2 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


self, for it was that evening he received the news ! Did 
you ever hear of anything being kept so quiet ? Nearly 
three months — I think, we have been sold ! ” 

“ Where did you hear it ? ” enquired Mabel. 

“ In at Muler’s worsted store. Louise Bronson was 
there and gave me all the particulars.” 

Poor Belle ! She now felt her strongest and imaginary 
attraction, money, had slipped away from her in Reuben 
Langdon’s eyes. And she swept from the room indig- 
nant at the uncle, his death, and his fortune ! 

Not so Mabel — far differently did she interpret the 
silence. “ He has shown no anxiety,” she thought, “ to 
leave Oakland and return to England to claim the woman 
he loves.” And there was an undercurrent of joy that 
quickly coursed through her whole being, bringing to 
her face an expression of happiness and hope she had 
not known for many days. But immediately returned 
other and sadder thoughts. 

Why should I wish to begin life anew ; I have seen 
too many changes to wish for more. I should be happy 
and content with my present life, and ask for nothing 
else. Besides, there is Robbie, my darling precious 
Robbie ; is he not enough to live for ? I should think 
of him — live for him — not for myself Motherhood and 
its cares and pleasures should be my first thoughts now 
— and yet, I am young ! ” 

Poor Mabel, there was no use in reasoning ; deep in 
her heart she knew she loved Reuben Langdon. 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


I13 

Suddenly the door was pushed aside and Belle’s face 
thrust through. 

Mabel, you can understand now, why I prefer riding 
my own horse.” Then as quickly closed, and she dis- 
appeared. 

Poor Belle,” thought Mabel, with all her faults I 
love her, and they are principally due to a foolish over 
indulgent mother, who only lives to obey the will she 
ought to have conquered. Her style and handsome 
figure have brought her many admirers, and now for the 
first time she is amazed at the delay or tardiness, as she 
calls it, in Reuben Langdon’s attentions. Lately I have 
thought the truth was dawning upon her. I wish it 
might, and that she would bestow her affections else- 
where. I cannot bear to have her suffer, and mine the 
hand that may deal the blow ! 

Mr. Langdon’s patience and kindness to her I have 
often admired, when there were times I knew he longed 
to make his escape — at least I have thought so. And 
then again. I’ve seen that careless off hand manner of 
hers draw him to her side. He talks of leaving,” she 
went on reflecting, the first of November. Scarcely 
one month more at Oakland. How I shall miss him. 
Those little attentions throughout all my coldness of 
manner — he never wearied giving ! Then his delicacy 
in regard to his great wealth — never by the slightest 
chance possible alluding to it excepting once ! ” and here 


114 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


Mabel smiled, thinking of Belle’s indignation. What 
long pleasant talks I’ve had with him. Enjoying his 
humour, too, of which he is so happily endowed. He 
cannot be engaged. Oh Belle, Belle, have you burdened 
your conscience with a falsehood — and what was it for ? 
I am beginning to doubt your word ! When next he 
raises his eyes to mine and gives me a glance which to 
speack truth thrills me with delight, I shall take the Bull 
by the Horns, and beg him to tell me a tale of love — 
his own — far away over the deep blue sea.’^ 


CHAPTER XIII. 



HOUGH the last day of September, the air was close 


and sultry, and just before tea Mabel dressed and 
walked down to the piazza for a little fresh air. She 
looked over on the lawn and saw Katy and Robbie seek- 
ing among the grass for the few remaining dandelions, 
and Katy blowing them into fantastic curls and mingling 
them in and out of Robbie’s own bright natural ones. 

Don’t carry him, Katy,” she called out. He’s be- 
coming too heavy for you ! Dear little thing,” she 
thought, I ought to think a great deal of her, if it is 
only for the love she bears my baby boy.” ' She saw Mr. 
Langdon and Paul in the distance, but they came up so 
noiselessly and suddenly that Belle who was reclining 
under a tree did not perceive them until they were close 
upon her, and she heard the evening salutation. 

*‘I wonder if he will come directly to me,” thought 
Mabel, ^^or join Belle.” He looked over and bowed, 
but took the vacant seat by Belle. 

It cannot be very distasteful to a man to have a fine, 
handsome girl go into foolish ecstacies over him, and 
though he may not be able to return the admiration, 
still it flatters, and very few are strong enough to resist 


115 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


1 16 

it, unless the object creates an antipathy which was not 
in the present case. 

“There seems an unusual amount of happiness about 
him this autumn evening,” thought Mabel. “ Can it be 
a white-winged messenger from afar over the sea ? ” 

How few escape the green-eyed monster ! 

“What were you reading so attentively. Miss Travers?” 
asked Reuben, taking a seat beside her, “ as Paul and 
myself approached you ? ” 

“Oh, you cannot, you shall not see,” cried Belle, rising 
from her seat and placing the book firmly under her, and 
then down upon it with a vengeance. 

“Do not give yourself too much inconvenience,” he 
replied,. “ I’m no hard master, or stern parent, that shall 
insist upon seeing what I am not permitted to see.” 

“ Were I not aware of your tight-laced views and 
principles, and Sunday too, I should have no scruples.” 

“ What bosh ! ” muttered Paul, and walked off. 

“ Now you have given me a clue ;” returned Reuben, 
“ one of Miss Braddon’s last ? ” 

Belle felt sure he had seen the title, still she fought it 
out. “You cannot tempt me,” she said, “ to change my 
first intention. I believe in the law of the Medes and 
Persians, ^ Which altereth not.’ ” 

“Yes, I’ve always found you constant.” Reuben 
feared his words might have implied more than he in- 
tended to convey, but Miss Travers apparently did not 
heed them and went on. 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


II7 

Mr. Langdon, do you believe in presentiments ? ” 

I cannot say that I do.” 

‘‘ I cannot banish it from my mind. I am troubled 
about it,” (talking slowly and with her eyes half closed,) 

a presentiment of evil this very night is before me — 
and we are all somewhat affected by it.” 

This is becoming interesting, Miss Travers ; of what 
nature ? Fires, easthquakes, cyclones or aching hearts ? ” 

Aching hearts ! I don’t believe you have one to 
ache ! ” 

Belle was not slow in detecting the constant inattentive 
look and wandering of his eyes to the piazza where 
Mabel stood, and while she was anxiously awaiting a 
reply to her accusation, he was watching Mabel Singleton 
as she gracefully approached them. 

What are you all talking so animatedly about ?” ex- 
claimed Mabel, as she and Paul drew near. 

I am accused of having no heart, Mrs. Singleton ; 
will you not interfere in my behalf? ” asked Reuben. 

** Oh yes, I will be much more amiable “than that ! 
You had one, but have lost possession of it.” 

Reuben looked puzzled, and turning around unex- 
pectedly, saw Miss Travers shake her head at Mrs. Sin- 
gleton. He was more mystified than ever. 

Can I have an explanation ? ” he asked, looking from 
one to the other. 

** I see the last daisy of summer,” Miss Travers ex- 


Ii8 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


claimed, anxious to change the subject. “ Let me cap- 
ture it and tell your fortune, Mr. Langdon.” 

** May I trust it ? ” 

No,” answered Miss Travers, who had been trying 
that afternoon for herself, but with no flattering results. 

Shall I tell yours ? ” 

I thought you had already disposed of mine ! ” 

*‘Not beyond recall; not irrevocably yet,” said Mabel, 
laughing. 

*^Now, Mr. Langdon,” exclaimed Miss Travers, “here- 
on hangs a tale. Give great attention and think of the 
one you love best.” 

All eyes were now centred upon Miss Travers, fore- 
most among them Paul, taking a good position to see his 
friend’s fortune through to the end. 

Miss Travers now began slowly pulling leaf after 
leaf, and repeating to herself, “ Elle m’aime, elle ne 
m’aime pas,” and so on until she came to the last leaf. 

“ Quick,” called out Langdon, “ do not keep me in 
suspense any longer. Does she love me, or does she 
not?” 

“No*” said Miss Travers, looking up in his face 
triumphantly. 

“ Now, Miss Belle, you ought to be ashamed,” cried 
out Paul. “ I counted every leaf after you began >vith 
‘elle m’aime ’ and it did not come out, no ! ” 

“ Hush, Paul,” said Mrs. Singleton, in a side whisper, 
and Reuben looked imploringly at him to say no more. 


MUS. SINGLETON, 1 19 

Miss Travers cast an indignant glance, but disdained 
to take any further notice of it. 

The servant appeared now and announced tea. The 
clouds had been gathering for some time, and the big 
drops were falling. Mrs. Singleton and Miss Travers 
caught up their trains and with Mr. Langdon hurried to 
the house. Paul, Katy, and Robbie came frolicking and 
laughing behind. Robbie thinking it a game of * tag,* 
they were all playing. 

As they passed from the hall into the tea room, 
Reuben saw Mr. and Mrs. Churchill at the library win- 
dow, and before Mrs. Singleton had time to accost them, 
he said in a low tone to her, I must have an explana- 
tion for your words, ‘ That my heart is already disposed 
of* I am not prepared to deny it ; but to whom ? ” 

It turns towards England, I believe,’* she replied. 

** Towards England ! There’s not a word of truth in 
it!” 

Why did you not let me know you were here ? Of 
course you will stay to tea,” said Mrs. Singleton, ad- 
dressing Mr. and Mrs. Churchill. 

Such was our intention,” replied Mr. Churchill. 

And we preferred watching a very pretty picture 
from the window, of fortune telling, to interrupting it,” 
added Mrs. Churchill. 

hope it was satisfactory all around,” exclaimed 
Churchill. 


120 


M/^S. SINGLETON. 


We had but one daisy,” answered Reuben ; and, 
if there is any truth in its prediction, I should have far 
preferred to have left it to perish with its companions, 
alone.” 

“ Tea, I believe, is ready,” interrupted Mrs. Singleton ; 
and, aside to Katy, “ will you coax Robbie up to bed ? ” 

“ He wants a lump of sugar,” pleaded Katy. 

It is such a bad habit,” returned Mabel. 

If you don’t,” said Robbie, I sit here all evening.” 

Well, only a small piece this time ; do you hear, 
Robbie?” 

But Robbie did not appear to have an idea beyond 
the sugar he was rolling in his mouth. When that was 
disposed of, he caught sight of the cake basket. 

‘‘You once said on Sundays I could always have cake, 
and Katy said this was Sunday.” 

“ I did,” said Mabel, looking worried beyond measure, 
and breaking off a small piece and handing it to him. 

“ Hurry him off, quick, Katy, before any thing else 
comes up,” and Mrs. Singleton made her escape to the 
tea room. 

“ I am sorry to have kept you all waiting,” she ex- 
claimed, on her return. “ Will you come in at once, and 
sit down ? ” 

Paul found his seat as usual by Katy. Mrs. Churchill 
sat on Mabel’s left ; Reuben sought the vacant chair on 
her right, but was forestalled by Miss Travers ; and Mr. 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


I2I 


Churchill presided. There were seven at the table — an 
uneven number, by many supposed to be indicative of 
good luck — but Mrs. Churchill recalled with pleasure 
that in the Divine reckoning it also implied fullness and 
completeness, with nothing left out. Often in the past 
did her thoughts revert back to that pleasant, cheerful 
tea table, and the interesting and appropriate turn the 
conversation took for Sunday evening. 

Mrs. Churchill was the first to remark, “ Mr. Langdon, 
how did you like the sermon this morning ? ” 

“ Very much ; it is always a subject that interests me, 

* The Second Coming of Christ’ ” 

“ Do you believe in it ? ” inquired Miss Travers. 

Most assuredly,” answered Reuben. 

“ Many believe it is a spiritual coming ; Christ reigit- 
ing in the hearts of all true believers,” remarked Mrs. 
Singleton. 

“ The words of the Bible appear to me very explicit in 
regard to His personal reign,” said Reuben. 

There are nearly, if not quite, three hundred and 
eighteen verses that bear upon it in some measure,” ob- 
served Mrs. Churchill. 

“ What, all in the New Testament ? ” exclaimed Belle. 

Old and New included,” returned Mrs. Churchill. 

“ Tell us exactly where to find them ? ” asked Miss 
Travers. 

“ In Thessalonians : ‘For the Lord himself shall de- 


122 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


scend from heaven with a shout,’ etc. And those com- 
forting words in St. John, fourteenth chapter, that every- 
one is familiar with ” — 

Oh, yes,” said Belle. 

— If I go, and prepare a place for you, I will come and 
receive you.’ But there are so many,” said Mrs. Churchill, 
I could not begin to quote them all to you.” 

“ I had never thought of it,” said Belle ; “ it startles 
me.” 

“ There is nothing to dread about it, I assure you. 
Miss Travers ; but, I should think, great cause for rejoic- 
ing,” answered Mr. Langdon. 

'^Yes,” rejoined Mabel, *Tor will He not dwell here 
on earth a thousand years first ? ” 

‘'Yes,” and Isaiah says: ''Then the earth shall be 
full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover 
the sea,” said Mrs. Churchill. 

“What happiness for all those that are living then, 
not to see death,” remarked Belle. 

“ Yes ; and to think, ‘ Every eye shall see Him ; and 
they also which pierced Him,’ ” observed Reuben. 

“ Mamma used to read, ‘ My kingdom is not of this 
world,’ ” said Katy, timidly, who had been listening, with 
her eyes wide open. 

“Yes, Katy,” answered Mr. Langdon. “That means, 
' Not of the spirit of the world, as they who truly believe 
are not of the world.’” 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


123 


The old phrophets all prophesied of His first coming 
and second coming,” said Paul. His first coming was 
in literal fulfillment of prophecy, and why should not we 
expect His second coming to be in literal fulfillment of 
prophecy ? ” 

His father and mother looked with proud and loving 
eyes upon him. 

I am sometimes lost in astonishment,” said Mrs. 
Churchill, *^when I think how exactly the manner of His 
first coming was predicted and fulfilled'' 

** How ? ” said Belle, becoming more and more inter- 
ested. 

Isaiah, in the seventh chapter and fourteenth verse, 
speaks of His being born of a virgin.— ^In Micah, at 
Bethlehem. Hosea, that He was called out of Egypt; 
and, in Isaiah, fiftieth chapter, that He was spit upon 
and scourged ; and, in Zachariah it says, that He was 
sold for thirty pieces of silver.” 

** What wonderful predictions,” remarked Mrs. Single- 
;ton. 

** They did not spiritualize His first coming, and why 
should we His^second coming,” added Mrs. Churchill. 

‘‘ Many think the world must be perfect first,” re- 
marked Mrs. Singleton. 

“ That appears to me quite an ^error,” said Reuben. 
“ ‘Antichrist is to be destroyed by the brightness of His 
coming.’ This would indicate sin on earth at His second 


124 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


appearing. Then again, * the tares and the wheat shall 
grow together until the harvest,’ as it was in the days of 
Noah and Lot, so shall it be at the second coming of 
man.” 

“ Mother, you know something about the * time,’ tell 
it,” said Paul. 

The day and the hour no man knowest, Paul. But 
there are two events which must precede the coming of 
our Lord and which will indicate His approach,” an- 
swered his mother. The partial return of the Jews to 
their old home, Jerusalem, and the rise of Antichrist. 
The return of the Jews has commenced. There are now 
many thousands when a few years since there were not 
as many hundreds.” 

“ Mother, what about the close of the six thousand 
years ? I love to hear about that,” said Paul in a whis- 
per to Katy. 

Irenaeus, who died nearly two hundred years after 
Christ, and John Bunyan also, I think, said, ‘ As God 
took six days in the works of creation, — that is six thou- 
sand years — for a day with the Lord is as a thousand 
years — so in six thousand years ' He will complete His 
providences that concern this world ; will finish the 
travail of His saints, the burden of beasts, the curse of 
the ground, and bring all into rest for a thousand years ! ’ 
We are probably very nearly at the end of six thousand 
years from the creation of Adam, and on the very dawn 


MRS, SINGLETON. 12 $ 

of the seventh thousand years that shall constitute the 
world’s sabbath.” 

Many among the early fathers maintained this be- 
lief/’ said Reuben, — Augustine, Justin Martyn, Origen, 
Jerome, etc. And in later times, Luther, Melanchthon, 
Newton, Wesley, and many others.” 

I do not wonder people are beginning to be 
thougtful and serious,” remarked Mrs. Singleton. 

I wish I never had a doubt respecting the authority 
of the Scriptures,” observed Churchill. 

You never would have,” replied Langdon, “if you 
studied them. The Bible contains its own evidence. 
Would that every doubter would make the experiment. 
A faith thus gained rests not on the wisdom of men but 
on the demonstration of the Spirit” 

“ If some wonderful miracle would take place now,” 
exclaimed Belle, “ the whole world would spring to their 
feet and believe ! ” 

“Believe, Miss Travers!” exclaimed Reuben, “why, 
we live in miracles. The seed in the ground, the fruit- 
tree, the springing grass, sunlight, moonlight, all out- 
rival any miracle I But familiarty so dulls our senses 
we will not see ; we will not believe 1 ” 

“ Don’t let us talk about it any longer,” said Belle. 
“I shall not be able to sleep to-night” 

“ I expect. Miss Travers,” said Churchill, “ if I should 
repeat Mother Shipton’s prophesy to you, published in 


126 MRS, SINGLETON. 

1485 and re-published ik i'64i,. you would be more fright 
ened than ever. I know a lady, now living, that read it 
fifty years ago, and every' event predicted in it she saw 
fulfilled with the excepiton, of course, of the last two lines. 
If you will have a little patience until I recall the verses, - 
I will give the entire prophesy to'you;” After a' few 
moments reflection Mr: Churchill repeated the following : 

“ ‘ Carriages without forses shall go,' ' 

And accidents fill the world with woe. 

Around the world thoughts shall fly' 

In the twinkling of an eye. 

Water shall' yet more wonders do, 

Now strange — yet shall be true. 

The world' upside down shall be. 

And gold‘be found at the root of tree. ^ 

Through hills man shall ride 
And no horse nor ass be at his side. 

Under water man shall walk,’ 

Shall ride, shall sleep, shall talk. 

In the air men shall be seen 
In white, in black, in' green. 

Iron in the water shall float, 

As easy as a wooden boat. 

Gold shall be found mid stone 
In a land that’s now unknown. 

Fire and water shall wonders do, 

England shall at last admit a Jew. 

And this world to an end shall come 
In eighteen hundred and eighty one.’ ” 


I 


MJiS. singleton: 127 - 

“ I can never believe it was written so many years 
ago, it’s utterly impossible,” exclaimed Belle. 

“ I have heard my aunt say,” remarked Mrs. Singleton, 
** that when they were little girls they saw it written in 
an old manuscript in their father’s library.” 

*“In the air men shall be seen in white, in black, in 
green,’ I take it those are baloons Mr. Langdon,” said 
Paul. 

I think not.” 

What then ? ” 

“ Elevated railroads.” 

“ But there is no white paint on the cars mingled with 
their red and green.” 

‘‘You must make some allowance, Paul, for a poet’s 
license,” replied Mrs. Singleton, making the move to re- 
tire, and all withdrew to the library. 

There was a bright wood fire burning, for the evening 
had grown damp and chilly. In addition to the lamps, 
two wax-candles stood lighted on the table and on the 
niantlepiece. 

“ I am going to have a song to-night,” said Mrs. 
Singleton, joining Mr. Churchill and Mr. Langdon by 
the fire, and addressing the latter. “ Don’t rise ; is it to 
be ‘ no,’ again ? ” 

“ I shall sing any flme you wish,” Reuben replied, 
“ but can’t I also make a request of you ? I am con- 
tinually thinking of your last words since we entered 


128 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


the hall ; will you not explain them more fully to me ? 

‘^The report is you’re engaged ! ” 

I am not engaged, Mrs. Singleton,” answered Reuben, 
gravely. “My thoughts rarely turn to England. I 
never loved when there. I never saw the woman I could 
love.” Then, with much excitement in his voice, 
“ What could have given rise to such a report ? What 
foundation did it rest upon ? And for what purpose was 
it fabricated ? ” 

Mabel had never seen Reuben Langdon so moved. His 
face flushed, his eye kindled and flashed. She had thor- 
oughly roused him. 

“ Not for the world,” she thought, “ shall I betray 
Belle,” and answered, “ what matters where it originated, 
Mr. Langdon ; it certainly has done no harm.” 

“I don’t know that,” he replied; “ falsehood always 
works harm. You remember those lines, 

/ 

* Oh, what a tangled web we weave 
When first we practice to deceive ! ’ 

Still, it is of no importance. Did you believe it ? ” 
And he looked tenderly and passionately into Mabel’s 
eyes. 

“ I did until lately.” 

“ Why not lately ? ” 

She moved off; no answer seemed necessary,and Reuben 
walked over to the piano, opened it, and sat down and 
sang what his heart longed to tell her — “ Verlegenheit,'' 


MJ^S. SINGLETON. 


129 


I have a secret worth revealing, 

And yet I know not what to say; 

But ask me what this tender feeling, 

My fond reply would alway, 

I love thee dearly, thee alone ! ” 

I never heard,” said Mr. Churchill, in a whisper to 
Mabel, Langdon sing so well as he does to-night, 
and with such feeling. He has a mellow, rich voice, and 
throws much expression into it. What kind of a voice 
do you call it, Mabel — tenor?” 

would rather listen than talk,” replied Mabel, in a 
low tone. 

Her reproof had its effect for a few moments, when he 
began again, ‘‘When does Belle Travers leave ?” 

“ Next week.” 

“ She has made a good long visit ; are you getting 
tired of her ? ” 

“ No, George,” she answered, hastily, “ I invited her 
to stay with me three months.” 

“ That’s not answering my question.” 

“ Well, then. I’m not tired of her, and shall very much 
regret her absence.” 

He whistled this time for a reply, but still could not 
be suppressed, and began again : 

“ You know Langdon is obliged to be in Boston next 
week, and will take Paul to Cambridge. I am so pressed 
with business I cannot get away.” 

Mabel gave up now, and, in despair, changed her seat 


130 


Mrs. SINGLETON. 


to the other side of the room where Paul and Katy sat, 
that she might enjoy the song she had requested. There 
was one more verse, and she gave her whole attention to 
it. The soft, low notes found their way into her heart 
and awakened strange sensations of memory and sadness. 


CHAPTER XIV. 


company had all left. Mrs. Singleton and Miss 
Travers withdrew to their rooms, and Paul, who 
had decided to remain over night, took up his candle 
and sought his. 

The fire had made the library warm and oppressive, 
and Reuben stepped out on the piazza for fresh air and 
exercise. The servant came and closed the blinds, put 
back the chairs, locked the back door, and was pro- 
ceeding toward the front, when Reuben called out from 
the piazza : 

You can leave this door open, and I will secure it 
when I retire.” 

Shall I put out the lights, sir ? ” 

Yes, and should I wish a candle, I will light one of 
the tapers upon the library table.” 

The house was now quite still. Every one, appar- 
ently, had retired to rest with the exception of Reuben. 
Left to his own thoughts, he took out a cigar, paced 
the piazza, and smoked. There was a soft, light breeze 
stirring among the trees, which gently played in his hair 
and passed over his heated brow, cooling, with its light 
touches, his excited but happy thoughts. 

131 


132 


MRS. SINGLETON, 


“ Yes,” he mused, the secret of my wealth is known; 

I am now sought after, and compliments flow in as never 
before ; yet, still, I had not even the presumption to hope 
that I could win the love of the only woman I ever tried 
to please, until to-night. 

There have been moments when a word, a look, 
unexpectedly given, would carry me away into dreams 
of endless happiness and bliss ! But oh, how fleeting 
they were ! For as quick as thought a cloud would pass 
over her face, and some word escape, to make me feel 
how utterly vain was the hope. But to-night there was 
light thrown upon her changing mood. Engaged ! From 
whence came the idle rumor, and how long, in her eyes, 
have I been looked upon as belonging to another ? A 
constant lover, to be sure, with my unwearied devotion 
to her ! 

“ Mabel Singleton, you never could have believed it, 
or else you have thought me a consummate flirt, and I 
believe there were moments whe^n you did. I have my 
suspicions — Belle Travers ! Why that shake of the head ? 
Am I indebted to you for this unwarrantable fabrication, 
and what motive had you ? 

“ Engaged ! Pshaw ! What other woman could hold 
me in such thraldom, could so take possession of my 
whole being as Mabel Singleton did from the first moment 
my eyes beheld her ? ” 

Again he mused on. — “ Strange that her fears and 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


133 


Elsie’s have never been realized. Since I have been in 
this house, not an unusual sound have I heard, not even 
the screeching of the night owls have disturbed my 
repose.” As if to give his thoughts the lie and verify 
their fears, Reuben now distinctly heard a slow, measured 
step pacing along the hall floor, as the step of one who 
walks wearily. 

He had taken a seat very near to the open door that 
leads into the vestibule. He started, rose from his chair, 
and looked around. All was darkness. He walked 
softly to the library table, took out a match and lit a 
wax candle, and as cautiously and noiselessly as possible 
looked out into the passage, up and down, and listened 
anxiously. 

Not a sound broke the stillness. He then went to the 
back door, from which direction he imagined the steps 
proceeded, and gently unlocked it. His light suddenly 
went out, and he was left in total darkness. There had 
been no wind, and his movement had been so quiet that 
he greatly marveled at it. Reuben then closed the door 
without a sound and locked it. Then he lit the can- 
dle, and, with a soft step, mounted the stairs to his 
own room, fearing to awaken or alarm needlessly any 
of the inmates of the house. 

The lamp was burning as customary on this floor. 
Still and quiet was the aspect of everything around, and 
nothing was heard but the simultaneous ticking of the 
clocks throughout the house. 


MRS. SINGLETON-. 


I'34 

Reuben partly undressed and left his door ajar, ready 
to spring from his bed, should anything more unfold it- 
self, and be on hand to grasp this would-be ghost or stern 
reality. 

He extinguished his light which he afterwards re- 
gretted, and laid down and tried to sleep. The clock far 
down in the hall struck two, and wearied with tossing 
and listening, deep sleep at length stole his senses away. 

He had not been sleeping more than an hour at most, 
when he was awakened by a slight touch on his shoulder 
and a gleam of light shot across his face. 

It is daylight,’* he thought, and rubbing his eyes, 
rose, and looked around. The blood ran cold in his 
veins, and all power of speech now forsook him. Before 
him stood a tall figure in white. She held a lighted 
candle in her hand, and some kind of fanciful looking 
veil was twisted in and out of her long dark hair, which 
hung down from the back of her head. Her eyes, which 
were of a very light color, looked misty and dead. She 
was very young, and the intense look of suffering in her 
face would have made the hardest heart ache. Stooping 
down, she stretched out one hand as if searching for 
something, while with the other she tightly grasped the 
candle she held. 

At length finding voice, Reuben faltered out, Who 
are you, and what do you want ? ” 

Suddenly an unnatural fire gleamed from the eyes^ 


MRS. SINGLETON. 1 35 

and coming a little closer, she hissed oiit between her 
teeth 

“ I want my pin ! ” Then quickly flashing the light in 
his face, she turned and disappeared. 

What direction she took, Reuben for a moment was 
too much stunned and confused to notice. 

It scarcely took a moment for the whole transaction, 
and rising to follow her, he paused a moment in the hall 
to listen, and thought that he heard a retreating step on 
the story above, and voices whispering. He quickly 
moved in that direction. 

On this floor a short distance from the head of the 
stairs, Reuben saw a door slightly ajar. He went to it, 
pushed it open — it was no time for ceremony — looked in, 
and saw two beds with a female figure reposing in each. 
In the smaller bed he thought he recognised the same 
colored hair he had seen a few moments ago, and the bed 
clothes looked slightly tossed. 

Has any one from this room been up, and walking 
around the house at this hour of the night ? ” he sternly 
demanded. 

The answer came from a rough, ill-natured looking 
woman, with a coarse voice. Faix, ’twould be betther 
thin, if the likes of yes returned to your own room, and 
left dacent women in theirs. Prowling round the house 
this time ’o night, no good can come of it.” 

‘‘Be quiet,” answered Reuben sharply, “and stop 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


136 

making such a beastly racket. Tve now no longer any 
doubt, and should these night walks, and visitations, 
continue, I shall expose you and that one in yonder bed 
to your mistress.” 

He said no more, but turned and walked softly down 
to Elsie’s door and gently knocked. She rose and 
opened it. 

“ Have you been awake long, nurse ? ” 

“About ten minutes, sir.” 

“ What have you heard ? ” 

“ The old sounds again. It passes me.” 

“ Do you think Mrs. Singleton is alarmed ?. ” 

“ No, sir; she is a sound sleeper.” 

“ Had you not better go to her door and knock ? She 
may be undergoing great fear, and not have the courage 
to rise and inquire. The walking and whispering have 
been unusual to-night.” 

“ My young mistress would never survive the fright 
of a knock at her door this time of night,” and Elsie 
looked inquiringly at him. 

“ Then you feel sure she has not heard ? But where’s 
Robbie ? ” seeing only Katy in a little cot by Elsie’s bed. 
Reuben began to be alarmed that he might have been 
spirited away. 

“ I always take him over to his mamma in the early 
part of the evening; he sleeps with her, sir.” 

“ Elsie, what kind of a girl is Rhoda Hill ? ” 


AfRS. SINGLETON. 1 3 / 

“ Respectful enough," she replied, looking sharply at 
him. “ What have you heard, sir ? ’’ 

“ Walkings and whisperings, such as you told me 
about. Say nothing of this, however, in the morning, 
as I think I can explain it away before your mistress be- 
comes needlessly alarmed." 

“ No, sir." 

Reuben went back to his room. It was still night. 
How he longed for the golden rays of dawn to burst forth 
and clear the mystery of the night away ! 

No band of soldiers or policemen, stationed at your 
gate, brings the reassurance that this glorious queen of 
morn does, when first she streaks with rosy red the far 
off mountain tops. 

He was glad that Paul had slept so peaceably and 
quietly in the adjoining room. 

“ How he would have rejoiced to have been in the 
midst of the fun ! as I am sure he would have termed 
it," thought Reuben, and he may yet have an oppor- 
tunity. But there was no time for arousing him ; nor do 
I see the sense of unnecessarily depriving youth of their 
sleep." 

Langdon was glad once more to seek his bed and find 
the repose he so much needed. He was late in rising 
naturally, and Paul had to rouse him several times from 
his heavy morning slumber. 

Before descending to the breakfast room, Reuben cast 




MRS. SINGLETON. 


a quick glance around,, hoping to detect among the ser- 
vants that were sweeping and dusting the rooms, his 
midnight visitor ; but he saw no tall, slight-looking girl, 
with heavy, dull eyes, and concluded that, if it was Rhoda 
Hill, she was studiously avoiding him. 

He had not proceeded many steps, when missing his 
handkerchief, he turned and sought it on the bureau 
where he had left it. Passing out again, near his bed he 
saw something shining beneath it He stooped down 
and picked up a small gold pin, which to his surprise, on 
examining, he found to be of great value. In tlie centre 
was a large diamond, surrounded by pearls. Reuben 
carefully placed it in his vest pocket 

Surely,” thought he, light of some kind is begin- 
ning to break;” and regretted the necessity of being 
obliged to leave at eleven- thirty for New York, so anx- 
ious to begin as soon as possible his investigations. Still 
he thought it best to remain perfectly silent, until a favora- 
ble opportunity opened. 

When Reuben entered the breakfast room, he per- 
ceived at a glance that the ladies had been entirely un- 
conscious of any unusual disturbance during the past 
night. 

“ Miss Travers,” he; inquired, “ how about your pre- 
sentiments of evil ? ” 

Oh,” she replied, I had foreshadowings of them.” 

‘‘ Indeed, in what shape ? ” 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


139 


As you entered I was telling Mrs. Singleton that I 
heard a quick step running up the third story stairs. 
But she insists upon it that my day thoughts were pro- 
longed into dreams.” 

“ Nothing more ?” 

No, and what is a most unusual circumstance for me 
when once alarmed, I fell immediately asleep again ! ” 

“ That does not indicate a presentiment of very heavy 
evils in which we were all to be implicated, you re- 
member.” 

“ Nous verrons, I ^do not care however to discuss it 
with one so sceptical as you.” 

What a dull rainy day,” remarked Mrs. Singleton. 

How shall we worry through it,” said Miss Travers. 
** Do, see how the wind blows and the rain beats against 
the window panes.” 

‘‘Will you drive to the station ?” inquired Mabel, ad- 
dressing Reuben. 

“I thought of walking, but if this rain continues, I will 
order John to bring round my light covered wagon.” 

“ And return when ? ” 

“ About nine this evening.” 

“ Mabel, I’m going to bundle up and venture out,” 
Cried Belle. “And what are you in such deep thought 
about ? ” turning to Reuben. 

’Twas hearing the appellation, “ Mabel,” — to Reuben, 
the sweetest name he had ever heard. But he answered, 


140 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


At your fearlessness in braving the storm,” which was 
also interwoven in a vague sort of manner with his 
thought, 

“ Oh look, Kate,” said Paul, at the wind, blowing 
those trees all in one direction, and never turning round 
as much as to say ‘ good morning ’ to us.” 

“ The wind is from the South,” remarked Reuben, 
joining them. See how those trees toss their branchy 
heads northwards ? I always take a certain kind of wild 
delight. Miss Travers, in listening to the melancholy 
soughing of the wind.” 

“ I think it is so sad to hear; I feel more like running 
away from the great roaring, that rushes so mercilessly 
through space,” replied Belle. 

Perhaps we are effected by it according to our 
moods,” suggested Mabel. 

“ Paul, let us watch those large masses of white clouds, 
chasing each other rapidly through the skies,” said Katy. 

I believe it is going to clear, don’t you ? I see a little 
blue sky.” 

I often see elephants, lions, bears, steamboats, and 
lovely young girls in the clouds,” returned Paul, and then 
in a low voice, dashing young ladies, too, with fantastic 
head rigs and bright, red caps, like our friend over there,” 
glancing at Belle. 

“ Hush, Paul,” said Katy, *^she will hear you, and I 
like her so much. Yesterday she cut a beautiful horse 
for Robbie out of white paper.” 


M/^S. SINGLE TOM 


I4I 

“ But what is that strange looking structure on the top 
of her head ? ” 

“ They are very fashionable,” answered Katy ; made 
out of gentlemen’s silk handkerchiefs. Willy Wood gave 
her that one.” 

“ Willy Wood, who is he ? ” 

** The one that waltzed with her that night at your 
house — with a waxed moustache.” 

** Heavens ! ” said Paul, ‘‘ how well I remember it. 
Hark, Katy, is that Robbie playing the banjo ? ” 

All stood silent to listen. A few more cords were 
struck — then a slide down the stairs of both banjo and 
child — a heavy thump at the bottom was heard, and a 
scream from Robbie. 

Oh ! ” cried out Mrs. Singleton, with a rush to the 
hall. Robbie, has fallen, Belle, with your banjo.” 

His screams were something beyond description. It 
did not seem possible that a child could have lungs to 
bring forth such a volume of sound. 

Mrs. Singleton took him up in her arms, and Katy ran 
for arnica and water. 

Miss Travers caught up her banjo and cooly touched 
a few chords to see if it had been seriously injured. 

Elsie now appeared, followed by every servant in the 
house. Robbie held his hand tightly over his mouth al- 
lowing no one to touch or remove it. Mrs. Singleton 
looked pale, and evidently feared some of his teeth were 


142 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


knocked out. Katy looked quite as white as her aunt, 
and Paul ran for the doctor. 

It's to my thinking he’s kilt intirely,” wailed the 
laundress. “ Spake out, darlint, in your own swait 
nathural voice.” 

Her Irish brogue revealed her at once to Reuben, and 
she looked disconcerted when she saw him. 

“ Keep your thoughts to yourself,” whispered Rlsie, 
pushing her aside. 

Mrs. Singleton looked up and said, “ Don’t press so 
closely around him. When he ceases to cry we shall 
know the extent of his injury. Katy,” she continued, 
“run up-stairs and bring down a box of bon-bons from 
my mantlepiece.” 

The child at once heard the order, and looked up and 
asked, “ How many are you going to give me ? ” 

When the box was handed him, he crammed his hands 
full and began eagerly eating through his tears, without 
the slightest pain or difficulty. With the exception of. a 
smallcut on the side of his upper lip, which was percepti- 
ble to all present, there did not appear to be much the 
matter with him. 

Reuben knew very little of children, but was assured 
by Elsie and Katie that the hurt was serious enough to 
have given rise to any . amount of screaming. 

Reuben was obliged to drive rapidly to the station, as 
Robbie’s accident had delayed him some ten to fifteen 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


143 


minutes. Once seated in the cars, he tried to collect his 
thoughts and unravel the mystery of the costly pin he 
had in his possession. He took it from his pocket to ex- 
amine more closely, and if possible find a name, or 
initials, engraven thereon as a clue to the ownership. 
There was nothing. 

It had occurred to him more than once that his noc- 
turnal visitor was what they call a medium. 

He had seen something of spiritualism but had no faith 
in it, and yet was often astonished at its inexplicable 
nature. He knew also there were a great variety of 
mediums. 

Speaking, writing, knocking and impersonating. Proba- 
bly she came under the last-mentioned head. 

He concluded also, that whoever had the charge of his 
room, dropped the pin under his bed, either accidently or 
intentionally. He had seen two chambermaids at dif- 
ferent times sweeping there. It was stolen property un- 
doubtedly. 

Then again another thought presented itself, but Reu- 
ben smiled at its absurdity. He had heard that spirits 
through mediums claim, that as you leave this world you 
enter the next, with the same strong propensities and 
feelings either for good or evil. Could the owner of this 
pin from the spirit world have such a just indignation at 
seeing her once loved jewel in the hands of menials, 
make use of Rhoda Hill as her medium in placing it 


144 


MRS, SINGLE TO JV. 


where it properly belonged — in the possession of the 
lawful inheritor ? 

Rhoda Hill was undoubtedly a dangerous character to 
dwell in Mrs. Singleton’s house, or in any one’s dwelling. 
And Reuben concluded that on his return, — this very 
evening, perhaps, — he would unfold his tale, and say 
where his suspicions fell. But finally decided daylight 
was better for investigation of this nature. 


CHAPTER XV. 


<< J THINK’ the evening train must be in now, Mabel,” 
remarked Belle, it is a quarter to nine. I wonder 
Mr. Langdon does not make his appearance.” 

** Paul, Pm so glad you are going to stay with us to- 
night in case he does not return,” said Mabel. 

** Yes, it was too dreary to remain at home. I think 
mother and Aunt Lyddy will return from New York in 
the morning.” 

What took them down ? ” asked Belle. 

** Mother’s Aunt is very ill and sent for them.” 

‘‘ Do you expect anything from her,” continued Belle. 

I have never heard anything about it,” answered 
Paul, shocked and indignant at her unfeeling question. 

Mabel, I must have some one in my room to-night, 
but I don’t wish you to mention it to Reuben Langdon. 
He would only laugh at me, and I never could stand be- 
ing made an object of ridicule.” 

You have often been one in my estimation,” thought 
Paul. 

“ I am losing faith in him, too,” she went on. “ I do 
not think he wears well.” 

How Paul eyed her! 


145 


146 


MRS, SINGLETON, 


Very well,” answered Mabel, you can have Rhoda 
Hill. And I will have a cot brought down, or she can 
sleep upon the sofa. At any rate, give yourself no un- 
easiness, and I will attend to it at once.” She touched 
the bell and gave the order. 

Is she the girl I’ve met once or twice in the nursery 
with those sleepy eyes ? ” 

‘‘Yes,” replied Mabel. “ She always has such a neat, 
tidy look. She will be just the Oxic' for you.” 

“ Katy, give us some music,” said Paul, who far pre- 
ferred her playing to Belle’s; “ one of your sweet waltzes. 
It is still pouring,” he continued. “ What I call a black 
night or as dark as a pocket. No man can see his hand 
before his face, and the wind has kept up all day. In- 
stead of subsiding as night draws on, it seems to increase 
in speed and fury. Why, cousin Mabel, it actually 
screams around the house ! ’* 

“ Let it at least look cheerful within,” said Mabel, 
slightly shuddering ; and she ordered more wood, and 
placed two extra lights on the chimney piece. 

“ Mabel, do you like that cruel or Kensington stitch — 
whatever they call it?” asked Belle. 

“Yes, it is very simple ; I can teach it to you in a few 
moments.” 

“ These slippers, I imagine, are to be embroidered in 
that manner. Will you look at them ? ” and Belle un- 
folded a clean white linen handkerchief, and displayed 


MRS. SINGLETON. 1 47 

them on the table. One slipper completely or nearly 
finished, as a guide and pattern. 

In the name of all that’s wonderful,” exclaimed Paul, 

where did you get such a vul ” (Mabel shook her 

head at him), ‘‘such a bright, showy-looking pattern 
from ? ” 

“Mabel, don’t you admire those marigolds and 
peonys ? ” 

“ I do,” ejaculated Mabel, suppressing the laughter in 
the depth of her pocket-handkerchief. “ They are bril- 
liant flowers growing in the open air.” 

“I understand you; but here you think them out of 
place, and in bad taste.” 

“ To be sure, they are. Miss Belle. Make a nice dis- 
tinction between the effect in a garden and on a man’s 
toes ! Who are they for ? ” 

“That’s telling, Paul,” answered Mabel. 

Belle threaded her needle, and took up the pattern ; 
looked at it several times, and placed it a short distance 
from her to see the effect. Then she laid it upon the 
carpet, and gazed at it long and attentively. 

“ I have discouraged her with it,” thought Mabel. 
“ It was not kind. Belle,” she exclaimed penitently, “ all 
persons’ tastes are not alike, and it . may work up very 
handsomely.” 

“ I have made up my mind to change them,” replied 
Belle, in an aggrieved sort of manner. 


148 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


‘‘ Not from what IVe said,” observed Paul. 

No, I see it myself. I have some taste left, thank 
you.” 

“ What can keep Reuben Langdon,” thought Mabel, 
as a little time piece on the table struck the half-hour of 
nine. “ Could an accident have happened ? ” But her 
exaggerated forebodings came to an end in a sharp ring 
at the door. 

“That’s Mr. Langdon,” cried Paul, and he ran to 
open it. 

Reuben stood at the entrance of the door, “ too cold 
and too wet,” as he said, “ to enter until he had changed 
his clothes.” 

“ Shall I have tea for you ? ” called out Mabel. 

“ No ; I have had every thing, thank you. The train 
was an hour behind time.” 

“ I thought,” said Belle, “ there had been some 
trouble.” 

When Reuben returned to the library, he was dressed 
in a light English suit, which set off to advantage his 
handsome figure. His white collar, slightly turned at 
the ends, displayed a well shaped throat. His bearing 
was gentlemanly and quiet ; and with that bright, genial 
smile which was his peculiar charm, he inquired, “ how 
have you all enjoyed yourselves this stormy day?” 

“ They have missed you,” answered Paul. “ I know 
it just as well.” 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


149 


Mrs. Singleton and Miss Travers both laughed aloud. 

“ It could not have been more agreeably passed then, 
as far as I am concerned. I like to be missed,” and 
Reuben looked at Mrs. Singleton, but met with no re- 
sponsive glance from her. On her high horse again,” 
he thought — probably thinking Paul’s remark sufficient 
encouragement for one night ; and he drew up to the 
fire to warm his hands over the flame. 

Miss Travers insisted upon his lighting a cigar ; but 
he adhered to his old-fashioned ideas, now entirely ex- 
ploded, in regard to smoking in the presence of ladies, 
and refrained. 

“ What detained the train ? ” inquired Paul. 

She shunted the track before we reached Pough- 
keepsie.” 

“ Mr. Langdon,” remarked Mrs. Singleton, I’m 
afraid you have not had a mouthful to eat sinqe dinner, 
and are not candid enough to admit it ? ” 

If you are going to call my candor in question. I’ve 
not.” 

Mabel hastened to ring the bell, and ordered at once 
a light supper to be brought to Mr. Langdon. 

When it was announced, Reuben rose and looked ex- 
pectantly towards her ; but she made no move to rise 
and accompany him. 

“ It’s rather hard to send a poor fellow off alone,” he 
thought, as he heard no light step behind him. “ Why 


50 


MRS. SINGLETON, 


can’t she give me a chance to say a few words to her, 
and what better opportunity has offered than this ? ” and 
Reuben sat down disappointed, and with no great ap- 
petite for the repast before him. 

“ Belle, will you go over and pour out Mr. Langdon’s 
tea for him ? ” said Mabel, sounding her a little. 

Let him pour out his awn tea, I shall not budge an 
inch,” she retorted indignantly (perhaps jealously), be- 
sides it is in your place, not mine. You are the mistress 
of this house.” 

Mabel was not opposed to hearing Belle set forth so 
eloquently her duty, and which well accorded with her 
own feelings. She was On the point of starting, when 
Paul, who had concluded from their conversation that 
Reuben was to be deserted by both, hastily threw down 
his book, which he had been reading, and exclaimed, 
“ Cousin Mabel, I’m going over to keep Mr. Langdon 
company,” and left the library. 

Hearing a step approach, Reuben’s face brightened ; 
but hope vanished when Paul entered and took a seat 
beside him. 

On his return to the library, he drew up his chair once 
more to the fire, entirely forgetful of the lateness of the 
hour, and looked forward at least to an hour or so of 
pleasant conversation with Mrs. Singleton, when, to his 
surprise and astonishment, she made the move to with- 
draw. 


M/^S. SINGLETON. 


15 I 

“ Oh, do not leave,” he exclaimed, in a disappointed 
tone. “ Sit a little longer. ’Tis now the very witching 
time of night.” 

It is after eleven,” persisted Mrs. Singleton. 

“ A few moments more,” he pleaded. 

Miss Travers hesitated, Mabel was inexorable, and all 
rose and retired. 

Paul had a great deal to relate to Mr. Langdon, when 
once they found themselves in their room. 

“ Pve had a jolly time of it to-day, you may rest as- 
sured. We corked Katy’s face and dressed her up as a 
Dandy. Placed her in the parlor, and then sent up to 
Belle Travers, Willy Wood’s card ! She flew to the 
glass, rearranged her hair, and then stopped at Cousin 
Mabel’s door, and asked ‘if she would do.’ I stood be- 
hind the portiere to listen when she entered the drawing 
room. ‘ Good morning, Mr. Wood,’ I heard her say. 
Katy was looking out of the window, turned and ad- 
vanced towards her. Belle looked at her small gloved 
hands and then in her face, and I don’t know how much 
farther it would have gone, (not much, interrupted 
Reuben,) but Katy burst out laughing. Belle laughed, 
too, and said it was a good joke, but I think she felt it. 
Mr. Langdon,” he still went on, “ she has been nervous 
and fidgety all day.” 

“ What about ? ” 

“ Those presentiments.” 


152 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


“ They still persue her, do they ? What nonsense it 
is ! ” 

“ And she has got Rhoda Hill over there,” pointing 
to Belle’s room, sleeping on a couch for protector ! ” 

“ Rhoda Hill — of all Protectors ! ” 

“Why not?” answered Paul. “What are you so 
astonished about ; and why that exclamation over poor 
Rhoda Hill ? ” 

“ Paul, I cannot undress to-night There may be 
trouble in that room before many hours have passed, 
and there may not be. I am not going to risk it, how- 
ever, aud shall be prepared. You have heard of me- 
diums ? Rhoda Hill is one, and not only that, but my 
supposition is, that at times she is deranged.” 

Langdon then related what he had heard and seen. 

“ Mighty man ! ” cried Paul, “ I for one, am not going 
to sleep in my room alone this night. I am trembling 
from head to foot now.” And he crept into Reuben’s 
bed. “ Nor shall I close my eyes either. Pm so afraid of 
missing the sport.” 

“ You will not find much sport in it,” returned Reuben. 
“ However, take all the sleep you can, and I promise to 
call you should anything occur.” 

Langdon closed his door, sat down and took up a 
book to read ; but the words on the page conveyed no 
meaning to his mind. He threw the volume down, rose 
and lit a cigar, then throwing himself upon a couch pre- 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


153 


pared to while away the time by smoking. He looked 
over in Paul’s direction, and notwithstanding his ex- 
pressed inability to close his eyes for the night,” per- 
ceived he was in a somnolent condition, alike insensible 
to smoke or ghosts. 

Mabel,” said Belle, as they walked towards her 
room, “ I forgot to ask you this morning, were you hurt 
at my not showing more feeling when Robbie fell ? ” 
“No. What nonsense. Belle. I was so taken up with 
Robbie. I most assuredly thought you had acquitted 
yourself with all propriety,” and Mabel laughed. 

“ I am so accustomed to sister Nan’s little devils ; I 
knew he was not much hurt. Look, there’s Rhoda Hill! 
She has anticipated me ; how late can it be ? ” 

“ After twelve. How strangely she sleeps,” whispered 
Mabel, “with her head so buried in the clothes and 
turned towards the wall. But you are all right now. 
Belle, and as usual I will leave the doors connecting our 
rooms by this closet, open.” 

“Yes,” answered Belle, “but my matches have dis- 
appeared. However, I shall not require them to-night.” 

Better have them. There they are on the mantle- 
piece,” said Mabel, and then added, “any thing else 
wanted ? ” 

“No, thanks.” 

“ Are you sure you have everything ? ” 

“ I’m ail right. Good night.” 


154 


MRS, SINGLETON, 


Good night/* said Mabel, and took up her candle 
and retired to her own room. 

“ Let me give one look at my darling Robbie first,” 
she thought, and moved over to his little crib before ex- 
tinguishing her light. Mabel smiled, as she looked at 
his saucy face. ‘^You sweet thing,” she murmured, 
** with all your obstinacy and wilfulness, what a darling 
you are h No, my baby^ no. You alone have all your 
mother’s loye/* and she took him in her arms and blew 
out. the light 


CHAPTER XVI. 


HE first thing that awaked Mabel was hearing her 
name called in a sort of half smothered, suppressed 

tone. 

“ Mabel, Mabel, come ! ” 

Mabel sprang from her bed and hastily threw on her 
dressing gown and slippers. Her first thought was to 
touch a bell that communicated with the nursery, and 
which brought Elsie at once to Robbie. Then she hur- 
ried to Belle’s room. It was utter darkness there, and 
feeling her way to the mantlepiece, she ran her hand over 
it, touched a match box and lit a candle. Then turning 
saw Belle sitting up in her bed with a blue flannel sacque 
on, and her face as white as the sheet around her. All 
color had left her lips, and her hands were as cold as in 
death. 

Oh, what is it ? what is it ?” whispered Mabel, shak- 
ing with fear. 

There has been a tall, female figure leaning over me 
for some time,” murmured Belle, in a voice that showed 
all power of speech was waning. 

Dreaming dear,” faltered Mabel, soothingly. 

“ I tried to say ‘ go away,’ but had no voice, then 

155 


156 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


with a supernatural effort called your name and you 
came.” 

“ Had you been awake long ? ” 

“Yes, some strange, unnatural sounds awoke me. 
Then I heard my basin and pitcher thrown over, and saw 
a dark figure slowly moving towards my bed. There ! I 
hear them now ! ” and they both screamed. 

Reuben had roused Paul on first hearing Elsie’s step, 
as she crossed the hall to Mrs. Singleton’s room. They 
stood awaiting the summons which now came as the 
screams escaped their lips. They rushed over to Miss 
Traver’s door, and excitedly and nervously knocked. 
The door was opened by Mrs. Singleton, who stood 
trembling and pale before them, and Miss Travers uttered 
in a faltering voice 

“ Thank Heaven ! but oh, listen, listen ! ” and silence 
fell on all. 

“ Sharp raps now came in quick succession on the foot 
board, followed by sounds like splittings or ineffectual 
efforts to tear the wood asunder. Phosphorescent lights 
of pale greenish colors flitted around the room, and over 
the heads of all present, giving to their faces a ghastly 
unnatural look. ^ 

“ O,” cried Mrs. Singleton ; “ let us ask for Divine 
guidance and protection.” 

And when their voices rose in prayer with, “ Our 
Father who art in Heaven,” the sounds on the footboard 
rapped time to the words that were uttered. 


M/^S. SINGLETON. 


157 


No one but Reuben had paid any attention to Rhoda 
Hill, who had risen and sat at the foot of her cot. He 
recognized her at once by her slight figure and dull 
heavy look. She appeared perfectly motionless, with 
her eyes cast down, looking steadily on the floor ; and 
from time to time Reuben observed a spasmodic twitch- 
ing or jerking of her left arm. 

“ Rhoda,” he said, come here ; perhaps you can 
throw some light on all this?” 

What, Rhoda Hill ! ” exclaimed Belle, and all eyes 
turned to look at her. “That poor girl has had nothing 
to do with it 1 ” 

At this moment a coarse Irish voice called out,” Rhoda 
Hill, come away wid ye, at onct, darlint.” 

“ That’s the woman I stumbled over in the hall,” whis- 
pered Paul. “ She was listening outside the door.” 

“ I can’t,” the girl called back, “ they won’t let me.” 

“ We have not kept you Rhoda,” said Mrs. Singleton, 
“ go.” 

She shook her head, “ I don’t mean any of you. Ask 
questions, will you ? ” 

“ What shall we ask ? ” inquired Paul. 

“ Ask if there is a message for any one present,” at 
length answered Mr. Langdon. 

The sounds now came vigorously and rapidly, as if re- 
joiced that the difflculty might be reached. 

Three raps for yes, one for no, and five for the al- 


158 


MRS, SINGLETON. 


phabet,” said Rhoda, desperately, and as one who had 
given up all further attempt at concealment. She ran 
on with the alphabet, a, b, c, a, b, c. Suddenly stopping 
at M ; and taking it up again, a, b, c, a, b, c, until the 
name of Mary Denver was given, when Mrs. Singleton 
started and uttered a slight exlamation. 

Did you know her ? ” exclaimed Paul. 

Oh, yes.” 

The raps came louder as if indignant at the interrup- 
tion. 

“ What are you here for ? ” demanded Reuben. 

** The diamond pin drew me,” was spelt out. 

At this, Rhoda Hill covered her face with her hands, 
and burst out into a long hysterical laugh. 

Oh, how frightful,” said Miss Travers, and Mrs. 
Singleton turned pale with horror, and Paul drew a little 
closer to Reuben. 

RJioda, for the love of our Blessed Lady,” called out 
again the voice in suppressed fury, “if a word more 
laves your lips, I throw you off of my hands intirely. 
The divil take the American blood in that's ye.” And she 
rushed in shaking her fist in the faces of all present, and 
carried Rhoda off bodily in her arms. 
##*#### 

“You’ve passed a strange night and I’m afraid you 
suffer,” said Reuben, turning to Mrs. Singleton. “ Had 
you not better go and seek some rest ? ” 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


159 


How late is it ? ” she inquired. 

Quarter past four.’* 

I’m afraid she will come out again.” 

“ Do not be troubled ; I will take good care of th.at” 

“ Had we not better,” said Paul, '‘go to her room and 
tie her fast to the bed post ? ” 

And have your sport yet ? ” remarked Reuben. 

“ I fear her return too,” said Belle, still trembling. 

“ Had you ever seen anything of the kind before ? ” 
asked Paul of his cousin. 

“ No, dear, and I never wish to again.” 

“Mabel, I dare not remain alone one moment; You 
surely would not leave me ? ” 

“ No, indeed. Belle ; you’ve endured enough for one 
night, and I think you have born it bravely. I was 
afraid at one time you would have swooned away with 
fright.” , 

“ Explain about the pin ; do, cousin Mabel ; that sur- 
passes all.” 

“ Oh, not now, Paul ; wait for datylight.” 

“ Little do they dream,” thought Reuben, “it is in my 
vest pocket.” 

“ Mabel, can I sit in your room ? I shall never enter 
this one again at night, and I’m really shivering from the 
cold as much as fright.” 

“ We are all going over to the nursery, and Elsie will 
have a bright blazing fire there for us,” replied Mrs. 


l6o MRS. SINGLETON. 

Singleton. It cannot be more than an hour from sun- 
rise, and I do not think any of us can close our eyes 
again. We are too much excited.” 

Reuben was the first to enter the breakfast room, and 
then it was long after ten. Elsie was reading a little 
story to Robbie by the fire. She was an old family 
servant, as is known, and all felt privileged to converse 
freely with her. 

I know all about it, Mr. Langdon,” she said, rising 
from her chair and dropping a curtesy. 

“ About what ?” asked Robbie. 

Hush, dear. And I stood at the nursery door and 
listened. Mrs. Singleton also told me a good deal this 
morning. It passes me ! ” — Elsie’s usual exclamation of 
horror. ** But it had to come ; it had to come ! ” 

You have known then about Rhoda Hill ? ” 

Yes, sir ; that she was a queer-acting girl, but not 
last night’s kind. I told my mistress time and again, 
how the chairs and benches would roll over with- 
out a helping hand from her ; and thumps would come 
under the table. But those she kept mighty quiet to 
herself. My mistress never thought a thing about it ; 
but said that she had learned some tricks to amuse 
Robbie. And he was, bless his heart, greatly taken by 
them. She was a quiet, nice-spoken girl. Very sweet- 
tempered, too.” 

** Who was Mary Denver ?” 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


l6l 


Miss Mary Denver ? She was a first cousin of Mrs. 
Singleton’s. Her mother’s niece. A poor, sickly young 
lady that died in this house. Mr. Singleton, my master, 
never took to her. She whined, so he said. And 
particularly after she had lost a very valuable breast-pin 
that cost a thousand dollars and even more ! It was all 
she had poor thing — left her by her great grandmother, 
and I did feel sorry enough when she lost it. She had 
written on a little slip of paper, that at her death it was 
to be left to Mrs. Singleton, whom she just about idol- 
ized.” 

Who has the paper?” 

“ My mistress. My master and myself, were called 
in as witnesses, and my master signed the ‘ will,’ as she 
termed it. He used to say to her, ‘You would be far 
better off, Mary, if you loved your God as much as you 
do that gew-gaw !’ It was not long after this that she 
died, and my master always maintained, it was the loss 
of her pin that killed her.” 

“You all look brighter than I expected to find you,” 
exclaimed Reuben, as the ladies and Paul now entered. 

“ Mr. Langdon, the scenes we witnessed last night 
were a true representation of what they call Spiritualism, 
were they not?” inquired Miss Travers. 

“ It did, indeed, look very much like what I have 
fancied it, although I had never seen such a peculiar 
phase of it before.” 


i 62 


MRS. SINGLE TOM. 


What is your opinion of it ? ” asked Mrs. Singleton. 

“ I do not think it of God,” answered Reuben ; “ but 
how far the medium is concerned in controlling it, is be- 
yond my knowledge.” 

“Do you think the Bible condemns it?” inquired 
Paul. 

“ Yes, you know it is said that Manasseh, the thir- 
teenth king of Judah, dealt with familiar spirits, and 
wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord. 
Moses forbade any species of divination, as prying into 
the future clouds the mind with superstition. And be- 
cause it would have been an incentive to idolatry. 

“ But God allowed the witch of Endor to call up Sam- 
uel,” remarked Paul. 

“ It does seem as if the spirit of Samuel was permit- 
ted for the purpose of declaring the doom of Saul,” re- 
turned Mr. Langdon, “ and yet when Saul said, ‘ Seek 
me a woman that hath a familiar spirit,’ she answered, 
‘ Thou knowest what Saul hath done ; how he hath 
cut off those that have familiar spirits and the wizards 
out of the land. Wherefore then layeth thou a snare 
for my life, to cause me to die,’ — showing the light it 
was held in in those days.” 

“ The penalty was death, I think,” said Paul. 

“ Then you think this is the same thing as familiar 
spirits and wizards, they had in olden times ? ” asked 
Belle. 


M/^S. SINGLETON. 


163 


“ I do,” replied Reuben. 

After the waiter had left the room, Mr. Langdon 
turned to Mrs. Singleton, and said, ** Do you recognize 
that pin ?” and drew from his pocket the costly dia- 
mond. 

Mabel’s face became scarlet, then pale. She took it 
from his hand and exclaimed, “ where did you find it ? 
How did it come into your possession ? I recognize it 
at once. What a mystery the whole transaction has 
been ; who can explain it ! ” 

Reuben then related what had taken place the night 
before. 

And had I known,” he said; ** in time, that Rhoda 
Hill was to have been an occupant of Miss Traver’s 
room, I would have revealed the facts at once. I only 
withheld them, fearing a night’s disclosure would have 
given unnecessary alarm.” 

Mrs. Singleton then related the history of the pin, 
which in substance was pretty much the same as Elsie 
had told Mr. Langdon an hour earlier. 

What do you conclude from all the circumstances?” 
asked Mabel, addressing Reuben. 

That Rhoda’s aunt, (the laundress, I believe), or 
some member of her family stole the pin. Having 
reached Rhoda’s knowledge, it had so dwelt upon her 
mind as to cause partial insanity ; and that also she is 
possessed of an evil spirit, and is now what is modernly 


164 


M/?S. SINGLETON 


called a medium. I can solve it in no other manner. I 
believe the poor girl strictly honest, and placed the pin 
under my bed that it might eventually fall into the right- 
ful owner’s hand.” 

Rhoda and her aunt were now summoned and dis- 
missed. The latter all submissiveness, calling it Rhody’s 
night mare.” Neither of them, of course, had ever seen 
or heard of the pin. 

“I have no fault to find with you, Rhoda,” said Mrs. 
Singleton, and you may believe, you have no power to 
control these evil spirits ; but I think with great effort 
you can in a measure overcome them. Of course we are 
not desirous of having the scenes of last night repeated.” 

“ I know it,” cried the poor girl, and overcome by her 
feelings she broke down and bust into tears. 


CHAPTER XVII. 


JpAUL ruled it with a pretty high hand, being his last 
week home. Aunt Lyddy would watch his every 
movement and run at the slightest wish expressed. 

Remember,” he would say, you won’t have me 
much longer,” — words that would send the tears to her 
eyes, and her hands to her pockets. 

And Paul who knew too well the effect, would throw 
his arms around her neck and cry out : 

‘‘You dear, good, old soul!” and give her a loving 
kiss. 

For hours they would both stand over the half-packed 
trunk, folding and unfolding, putting in, and pulling out 
— Aunt Lyddy exclaiming at every article she took 
up, “ Paul, are you sure you have all you want ? ” 

“All, but the red socks. Aunty.” And poor Aunt 
Lyddy would look as conscious and bashful over it as a 
young girl. 

“ I want you to keep up the last day on mother’s ac- 
count,” said Paul, with tears gathering in his eyes. 
“And Aunt Lyddy, I have bought this little trifle for 
her. Do you think she will like it ? ” And he unfolded 
from a paper a small russian leather box containing all 

165 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


1 66 

the necessary implements of sewing, When would be 
the best time to give it to her ? ” 

*^Now,” said Aunt Lydia, reflecting that remembrance 
and love shown at the last moment only augments the 
sorrow of parting. 

“ Have Katy Singleton down often and talk to her 
about me ; will you, Aunty ? ” and feeling a little agi- 
tated — he scarcely knew why — Paul caught up Aunt 
Lydia’s knitting bag and was packing it away in his 
trunk, when she cried : 

Look out, Paul ; what are you putting in your 
‘ Box ? ’ ” calling it by the English appellation which she 
never gave up. 

Oh,” said Paul, taking it out, and giving it a toss 
over on the bed. Why did you hand it to me, then?’’ 

Aunt Lydia had no remembrance of doing so, but 
judiciously said nothing. 

Will a dozen shirts be enough to start with ? ” 
should think so,” answered Aunt Lydia. “ In my 
days six were thought sufflcient, with dickys in addi- 
tion.” 

“ Dickys,” exclaimed Paul, laughing. “What an out- 
landish name ! ” 

Paul and his Mother rarely spoke of the parting, al- 
though the thoughts of each were often busy with it. 
To him it would come by fits and starts. But with her 
it was ever present. She would dwell upon his affection 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


167 


for her; the happinesss and love they had together, un- 
til the tears would start to her eyes, and she would feel 
as if she could not let him go — a longing to go to him 
and hold him back, and tell him how dear he had been 
to her these many years, and how bright he had made 
life to her. 

She saw the preparations going on, and dared not too 
often be present, lest her feelings giving way might cause 
him pain. 

Mr. Churchill had his moments of depression, too, for 
Paul was to him the pride of his life, the apple of his eye. 

What are we going to do, Ellie, without the boy ? ” 
And Mrs. Churchill never found voice to answer. 

At last the hour of parting came. 

Reuben remained outside in the carriage, not wishing 
to intrude on their last moments with Paul. 

It was the first day of November, a cold, clear, bright 
morning. The horses stamped and neighed eager to be 
off, and Reuben waited in momentary expectation of 
seeing the front door open. They came at last — the 
whole family. Paul and his mother hand in hand, fol- 
lowed by Aunt Lyddy, carrying his bag, and his father 
his overcoat. 

Reuben felt touched at the sight, for they were all 
trying to look cheerful through their tears, and he 
jumped out, took Mrs. Churchill’s hand in his and 
whispered in her ear : 


SINGLETON, 


1 68 

I shall take the very best care of him.” 

No reply came ; she feared to trust her voice. 

Paul first kissed Aunt Lyddy who made no effort to 
control her feeling. Then his father, who in a voice tre- 
mulous with feeling, said : 

“ Gold bless you, my boy, and keep you safe till we 
meet again.” 

The last kiss was for his mother. She threw her arms 
around him and whispered words of love and hope — took 
his hands and held them — then gently disengaged her- 
self and stepped back from the carriage, and so mid tears 
and farewells and waving of handkerchiefs Reuben and 
Paul drove off and left their homes behind them. 
####**###* 

“ Aunt Mabel, how lonely it is since they have all left; 
and don’t you think it strange Paul has not written a 
word to me ? ” 

Mabel went on embroidering and did not see the mist 
that was gathering in Katy’s eyes. 

“ You know, dear, he said he would not feel in any 
kind of mood to write until he felt assured he was going 
to pass.” 

How long does that take ? ” 

“ It depends, I think, upon the number of students that 
are undergoing examination. Mr. Langdon was to liave 
returned this afternoon ; he may be in this evening, and 
will bring us word of Paul. Perhaps a letter for you, 
Katy.” 


M/^S. SINGLETON. 


169 

Paul with his sympathetic, loving ways had thrown 
much joy and happiness into Katy’s young life since they 
had been so constantly together the last few months, and 
her face seldom now wore its sad expression. A bright, 
hopeful look had come into her ever beautiful eyes. 

Katy, you miss Paul very much ? ” 

Oh, yes.” 

After a few moments silence Mabel went on. Do 
you like Mr. Langdon ? ” 

“ Almost as much as Paul.” 

What do you like about him ? ” 

He has always been so kind to me.” 

** In what way ? ” 

‘‘You know Aunt Mabel he only taught us for three 
months (vacation came so soon), and twice during that 
time I was cross and impatient and would not say my 
lesson.” 

“ What did he do ? ” 

He put the book down and said, “ Never mind, Katy ; 
and then began talking so kindly to me.” 

“ About what ?” 

“ That each one of us daily exercises an influence over 
those around us for good or for evil. Therefore any little 
word thoughtlessly or unkindly spoken leaves its pain. 
But a kind word, a sympathetic word, lifts us from our 
cares and troubles, and we often carry the sun-light of it 
through life.” 


170 


MJ^S. SINGLETON-. 


“ I am sure he will be kind to my Robbie,” thought 
Mabel. “ Love him, bear with him, humor him in all 
his little wayward whims.” “ What else Katy ? ” 

“ And if we conquer ourselves we set an example to 
others.” 

“ What lesson did you take from it ? ” 

“ That I had hurt his feelings and set a bad example 
to Paul. When he ceased. Aunt Mabel, he took up the 
book, and scarcely able through my tears to see him or 
even hear him, I once more made the attempt and re- 
cited my lesson ; and when finished, he said, well done, 
Katy.” 

#*####**## 
Mabel looked radiantly beautiful. She had taken par- 
ticular pains with her toilet this evening. A rich black . 
silk with soft laces made a white mist at throat and wrist. 
It was drawing near the hour when Mr. Langdon had 
promised to come, and she knew this evening they would 
be left alone and that words of love would be spoken, 
she longed yet dreaded to hear. 

“ Aunt Mabel, isn’t it near my bed time ? ” 

“Yes, dear; but if you like you can sit up a little 
longer.” 

Katy had begun a mittea for Robbie and was anxious 
to have Elsie show her how to narrow, so she replied. 

“ I would rather go now. Aunt Mabel.” 

“ What, Katy, running off so soon ! ” cried Reuben, as 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


I71 


he entered thjs hall and saw Katy half way up the stairs. 

Don’t you want your letter ? ” and he threw it to her, 
not feeling particularly anxious she should return to the 
library for it. 

Mrs. Singleton rose at his entrance and put out her 
hand. 

Reuben had to repress the delight he felt at seeing her 
again. He had almost forgotten for the moment that 
there had been nothing explicit between them ; no formal 
engagement, and that he had no right to offer her any- 
thing more than an ordinary salutation. 

They were now alone, and Reuben sat for a few 
moments watching her embroider, as she inquired, with 
animated interest, of Paul. She had a beautiful hand, 
not too small, but well shaped, and the skin fine and 
white as marble. 

seldom see you with a needle,” he at length said, 
taking up a small piece of crimson silk she had been 
tracing flowers upon. 

I am not fond of sewing as a general thing, but 
Christmas is not far off, and Katy has expressed a wish 
for a sachet ; they have always a peculiar attraction for 
little girls.” 

Have they ? ” answered Reuben, thinking more of 
her lovely eyes and expression than of what she was 
saying. 

A long pause followed. 


172 


MRS, SINGLETON. 


*'Katy left a word that these scattered letters will 
form,” she said, placing them in a line on the table. 

Can you aid me in finding it out ? ” 

Reuben drew his chair closer to hers. Something 
retained him bending there. His head very near hers, 
his hand near hers, too. He felt the blood stir about his 
heart and rise warm to his cheek. Instead of looking up 
at once with a displeased look, her eye rested on his 
hand, and a warm blush suffused her face. 

Carried away with his feelings, Reuben murmured in 
her ear, Mabel, do you love me ? ” 

Yes,” said she slowly, gently, the blush that had half 
subsided returning. 

He gently pressed her to him, when suddenly she drew 
back, and that indescribable shade he had so often seen, 
passed like a shadow over her face. 

Speak, darling,” he said, what is it you fear ? You 
know that I love you, have loved you from the first. 
You are all the world to me, I could not live without 
your love. I have listened for your step, been thrilled 
at your voice ! Do not avert your head ; say again and 
again that you love me ! ” 

Quick as lightning the thought flashed upon him, 
** Can you think I will not love your child, darling ? Care 
for him as I would for you ; love him as my own.” 

She turned, looked timidly up into his face, and Reu- 
ben saw the dark eyes were full of love and trust. 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


173 


He took her m his arms and passionately kissed her 
over and over again, and Mabel Singleton and Reuben 
Langdon were one ! 

Miss Travers married Mr. Willy Wood, her little waxed 
moustached partner of the mazy dance, and settled down 
a model wife. Reuben has now been married five years, 
and knows what it is to live entirely for and with what 
he loves best on earth. 

Robbie is nine years old ; a little loving boy and pupil 
still. Katy Singleton has just attained her seventeenth 
year and grown into lovely womanhood, not what the 
world would call beautiful, but far more attractive. The 
bright golden masses of hair no longer hang carelessly 
down her back as in her girlhood days, but are wound 
in rich braids around her head. 

Her complexion is still pale. Her mouth rich and 
full, and eyes of deepest tenderness. Reuben often ex- 
claims : 

^^Can it be possible it is the little ^ Miss Singleton’ I 
first had the pleasure of meeting five years ago! ” 

Paul has returned from college, and, from his high 
intellectual cast of mind, stood first in nearly all his 
classes. He has the same warm, loving nature that en- 
deared him to all, and Reuben’s heart still goes out to 
him as it did that first June morning when he watched 
his young, bright face from the school-room window. 

He had always confided to Mr. Langdon his love for 


174 


MRS. SINGLETON. 


Katy Singleton, and this beautiful August evening, as 
Reuben and his wife passed under the oaks,” he turned 
and said to her : 

It will not be long before there is another wedding 
at Oakland.” 


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No. 23 .. 
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Old Nick’s Camp-Meetin* 

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Gleumere 

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Few novel series have attained such unbounded popularity as the Satchel Series. They are found at every news- 
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